Antique Burmese Lacquer Tiered Food Carrier Woven Bamboo 71cm Large Myanmar

A spectacular large-scale Burmese lacquerware tiered food carrier, traditionally constructed from woven/coiled bamboo and finished in rich black and red lacquer with delicate gilt decoration.

Standing an impressive approximately 71 cm high and measuring approximately 44 cm across at its widest point, this is an unusually substantial and highly decorative example of traditional Burmese lacquerware.

The carrier comprises a series of large circular stacking compartments contained within an integral tall carrying frame. The individual sections reveal their traditional woven basketry construction beneath the lacquer, particularly clearly on the interiors and bases.

The exterior is beautifully decorated against black lacquer with vibrant red basket-weave panels and fine gilt designs depicting birds, flowers, bamboo and foliage. The large circular lid is particularly attractive, decorated with birds amongst flowering branches and vegetation.

The tall carrying frame is itself extensively decorated with gilt birds and flowers and incorporates a metal swing handle at the top.

This type of traditional Burmese lacquerware was produced for carrying and storing food and is related to the tiered food and offering vessels for which Burma, now Myanmar, is particularly celebrated.

Based upon its construction, decoration and evident age, I believe this example most likely dates from the early to mid-20th century, approximately 1920-1950, although an earlier date cannot be completely excluded.

Dimensions

Overall height: approximately 71 cm
Maximum diameter: approximately 44 cm
Weight: approximately 6.8 kg

Condition

This is an old, traditionally constructed piece and displays considerable evidence of age and use.

There is surface wear, rubbing, scratching and areas of lacquer loss, particularly around rims, edges and other contact points. There are also marks and imperfections throughout consistent with its age, materials and traditional handmade construction.

These have deliberately not been restored or disguised and form an important part of the character and history of the piece.

Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and show the condition, construction and decoration in detail.

An extraordinary statement piece of Burmese decorative art. Its unusually large proportions, wonderful basketry construction and striking black, vermilion red and gilt decoration give it enormous presence, whether displayed as a piece of Asian folk art, antique lacquerware or as a dramatic interior accent.

Sourced from an antiques shop in Totnes, Devon.