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Manuscript (Parabaik)

1882 (made)
Place of origin

A presentation parabaik the pages of which are joined on each alternate long edge so that they fold up like a map. The pages are white and the text written in black. In modern Burmese round text, within illuminated borders of scrolling foliate patterns (framing each page).
It contains verses (ei-gyin) extolling the glorious achievements of past ancestors, as well as cradle songs, music and eulogies to be recited and sung.
The title on the front cover translates to "Song in glorification to the Holy and High Buddha" and is set within double borders of scrolling foliate and floral decoration.


Object details

Object type
Materials and techniques
Its thitsi lacquered and gilded covers have thayo (relief ornament decoration) and shwei-zi zawa (shaped lamin or coloured looking glass inlay work). Written on sekkubin paper - manufactured from the pulped bark of the sekkubin tree - Broussonetia papyrifera.
Brief description
A parabaik (Burmese manuscript with folding pages) presented by a chief minister to the eldest daughter of Queen Supayalat and King Thibaw (r.1878-1885). Konbaung Dynasty (1752-1885). Modern Burmese round tex; paper & card; lacquered and gilded thayo (relief moulded) with hman-zi shwei-cha (glass inlay work); foliate decorative motifs. ca. 1882
Physical description
A presentation parabaik the pages of which are joined on each alternate long edge so that they fold up like a map. The pages are white and the text written in black. In modern Burmese round text, within illuminated borders of scrolling foliate patterns (framing each page).
It contains verses (ei-gyin) extolling the glorious achievements of past ancestors, as well as cradle songs, music and eulogies to be recited and sung.
The title on the front cover translates to "Song in glorification to the Holy and High Buddha" and is set within double borders of scrolling foliate and floral decoration.
Style
Credit line
Given by Col Horace Barnet, 9 Lincoln Hoise, Basil Street, London, S.W.3
Object history
This parabaik was presented by Minthado Thudhamina Maha, Grand Minister, the Lord of Lekayaing, Upper Burma, to the eldest daughter of King Thibaw and Queen Supayalat on the occasion of placing her in the emerald cradle on the 10th day after the new moon of the month of Nadaw (December) in the Burmese year 1243 (AD 1882).
This book was found in the private apartments of Queen Supaya Lat at Mandalay Palace when taken by the British in 1885.
Production
This manuscript is claimed to have been found in the private apartments of Queen Supayalat (King Thibaw's 1st Queen r. 1875-1885) at Mandalay Palace when taken by the British in 1885.
Bibliographic reference
John Lowry, Burmese Art; Victoria and Albert Museum; London Her Majesty's Stationery Office 1974; p. 45 Yi Yi: "Life at the Burmese Court Under the Konbaung Kings". Journal of the Burma Research Society Vol. XLIV; June 1961; Part 1; p. 85 (Dept Library U Box IX)
Collection
Accession number
IM.128-1918

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Record createdNovember 13, 2001
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