Large antique Burmese red lacquer offering vessel (hsun-ok) from Burma / Myanmar

Description: Elegant, beautifully proportioned early 20th century red lacquer offering vessel, called a hsun-ok Originally from Burma (present-day Myanmar), it was used to transport offerings of fruit and other foods to the temple. This large vessel would have been associated with a wealthy and prominent family. It was crafted of woven bands of rattan, which were then lacquered a gorgeous orange-red. Dense bands of flowery scrollwork decorate the vessel from top to bottom. This type of lacquerware is known as yun, where the designs are incised, then lacquer is applied and wiped away, leaving the engraved lines with the black or yellow color. The overall silhouette shape of the vessel is reminiscent of a stupa, the ancient Buddhist structures that commemorate holy sites. The vessel is composed of three pieces: base/food bowl, lid, and finial. It measures approximately 35 inches high by 17.5 inches diameter (at its widest) when put together. I have included photos of each piece separately, plus a photo of the bottom of the base/food bowl (lacquered in black). Condition: There are a few minor chips and blemishes in the lacquer. There is also a cracked band of discoloration on the lid that I believe can be easily repaired. I have included a photo of the band as seen from above as well as a close-up of the discoloration. Otherwise the vessel is in very good condition for its age. I recently downsized to a condo and unfortunately no longer have space to display this beautiful piece of art.NOTE: I have identified and described this item to the best of my ability based on information I was provided when I bought the offering vessel, however I am not an expert. I paid the equivalent of $1,800 for the piece when I bought it in 2002 at a high-end antique store in Bangkok, Thailand. I have discounted it due to the band of discoloration on the lid, which occurred about 10 years ago, perhaps due to California's dry climate. The discoloration likely can be addressed by a professional restorer.

Price: 1200 USD

Location: Carlsbad, California

End Time: 2024-09-24T15:38:29.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD