Southeast Asia, Burma (Myanmar), Shane State, Konbaung Dynasty, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful, framed collection of four gilt calligraphy palm leaf pages and wood covers; excerpts from the Kammavaca (Kamawasa) written in Pali, an old Indian language, in thick, square script call magyi-zi (tamarind seed). On completion of the text, the intervening lines are embellished with delicate lively little bird, animals, and snippets of foliage. By far the most ornate of Burmese paper and palm leaf manuscripts, the Kammavaca is a monastic ceremony or higher ordination text. A volume, such as this example, consists of one, seven, or all nine of the khandakas, which are excerpts from the Pali Vinaya-pitaka, the monastic code of discipline used by Theravada Buddhists. These manuscripts are traditionally commissioned by a Burmese family and presented to the presiding monk upon their son's obligatory entrance to monkhood through a ceremony known as the upasampada. Size of manuscript panels: 22" L x 4.5" W (55.9 cm x 11.4 cm); frames: 59" L x 36.5" W (149.9 cm x 92.7 cm)

These panels are professionally mounted in a modern frame under glass to protect the text and gilt. These are ready to display and of a very large size, so please note the framed dimensions!

Provenance: private Fort Collins, Colorado collection, USA, acquired 2012; ex-Apsara Antiques and Arts, Singapore

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#174510

Chips ands losses to corners of covers. Fading and to gilt and some areas, but text script is bold. Mounted in modern wood and glass frames. Scuffs and abrasions to frames, but overall great condition and ready to display.