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Burmese Colonial Period Bronze Gong Stand browse these categories for related items... All Items: Archives:Regional Art:Asian:Southeast Asian: Pre 1920: item # 760204 Please refer to our stock # 11-24 when inquiring.
Silk Road Gallery PO Box 2175 Branford, Connecticut 06405, USA (203) 208-0771 Guest Book SOLD |
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| Two native bearers hold aloft a bronze gong creating a tableau that was likely made for a colonial official during Burma's long colonial period (1885-1941). This is a large piece--the figures nearly two feet tall, weighing 22 pounds each--suited for use in a large dining room or entry hall. According to accounts in "Victoria and Albert Museum" by John Lowry, and "Burmese Crafts Past and Present" by Sylvia Fraser-Lu, large, ornamental gong stands were among objects sought and commissioned by Europeans in Burma since the late 19th century. British administrators in Burma, recognizing Burmese skill in creating fine Buddha figures and other Buddhist art, often commissioned work of a more secular nature, many times specifying figures of local people. These bearers, with their somewhat ornate costumes, may have been patterned after nat characters, spirits believed to be responsible for both good and bad in daily lives of the Burmese. The bearers are well cast, with faces and clothing finely defined. The figures date to the early 20th century; the gong could be from an earlier time but, due to a higher copper content used in Burmese gongs to produce a pleasing tone, it naturally would have acquired a patina different from the figures. Included in the tableau are the two bearers, gong, carrying pole and a striker. Pieces can be rearranged so the bearers, instead of facing each other, carry the gong forward, either to the left or right. All pieces are in good condition, with some discoloration on the figures. The gong, due to its higher copper content, shows green areas. Dimensions of the bearers: height 22" (56 cm), width 14" (36 cm), depth 8" (20 cm). Weight of bearers: each 22 lbs. Diameter of gong: 10" (26 cm). Length of carrying pole: 29-1/2" (75 cm). | |||||||||||||||
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