Southeast Asian Metalwork

Small Betel Nut Box, Maranao, Southern Philippines (Mindanao). Bronze with bordered silver inlay design overall of a symmetrical floral tendril vine pattern referred to as “the okir ...

Medium Betel Nut Box, Maranao, Southern Philippines (Mindanao). Bronze/Brass with bordered silver inlay design overall of a symmetrical floral tendril vine pattern referred to as “th...

Personal size Betel Nut Box, Maranao, Southern Philippines (Mindanao). A mixed metal box having a brass body with bordered silver inlay design overall of a symmetrical floral tendril...

Small Betel Nut Box, Maranao, Southern Philippines (Mindanao). A mixed metal box having a bronze/brass body with bordered silver/copper inlay design overall of a symmetrical floral t...

Large Betel Nut Box, Maranao, Southern Philippines (Mindanao). Bronze with bordered silver inlay design overall of a symmetrical floral tendril vine pattern referred to as “the okir ...

Deluxe Betel Nut Box Set, Maranao Culture, Southern Philippines (Mindanao). Two bronze rectangular boxes decorated with symmetrical silver inlay in the tendril vine pattern referred ...

A SILVER OFFERING BOWL WITH SCENES FROM THE VIDHURA-PANDITA JATAKA, LOWER BURMA (MYANMAR), DATED 1901. A hammered repoussé Buddhist beggar’s bowl form with high relief  design depicting scenes from the Vidhura-Pandita Jataka on the upper row of cartouches and beneath neat rows of semicircular lappets each depicting various auspicious human and animal forms with scrolling acanthus leaf backgrounds. The overall concept is similar to the layered effect of a Burmese court costume. The circular etched design on the base is of Punnaka astride his magical horse mid-stride holding the white umbrella and Vidhura pleading behind. All surrounded by an inscription, translated as, "Mr Saw Marn's silver bowl. Year 1263 [1901 CE]". Excellent condition. 11 3/4 in. (30 cm) diameter x 5 7/8 in. (15 cm) high. 38 troy oz., 2lbs. 10 oz. (1175 grams). Provenance: The Noble Silver Collection. Bonhams New York, 24 March 2022, The Noble Silver Collection Treasures from the Burmese Silver Age, lot 942. Published: David Owens, Burmese Silver Art: Masterpieces Illuminating Buddhist, Hindu and Mythological Stories of Purpose and Wisdom, 2020, p. 76, no. S81, fig. 3.57. Bonham’s Footnotes: In the Vidhura-Pandita Jataka, the bodhisattva that will later become Gautama Buddha perfects the virtue of truthfulness (sacca), at once a keen perception of the true reality of things and an unwavering commitment to imparting this truth. Reborn as a renowned advisor to a virtuous king, the bodhisattva uses undivided speech throughout the story—even when it puts him in harm's way—thereby preventing disputes among rulers, offering amnesty, and ultimately saving the antagonists who initially conspired to kill him. Burmese Silver Ceremonial Offering Bowls were produced in great numbers, the finely decorated ceremonial offering bowl is the quintessential Burmese silver artwork...

This Antique Indonesian Garuda brass bell is a truly exceptional piece that embodies the magnificence and symbolism of the mythical Garuda bird in In...

A Burmese embossed silver presentation chalice Burmese, early 20th century Measures: Height 31cm, diameter 16.5cm, weight 937 grams This remarkable and beautiful silver chalice,...

This is a large example of an early 20th century Southeast Asia ceremonial Rain Drum. The cast bronze drum has acquired a deep desirable patina. The bronze is detailed with abstract designs with a central star. The body of the drum contains tiny sculptures...

Burmese vintage bronze figure of athlete. Age: Burma, Colonial, Early 20th Century Size: Height 25.8 C.M. / Width 13.8 C.M. / Length 20.5 C.M. S...

Middle Eastern Islamic brass repoussé vase, finely hand-etched, engraved, hammered and chased with elaborate Moorish Syrian designs decorated with medall...

Presenting a beautiful early 20th century Gilt Metal Thai Khon Dancer. Made in Thailand (South East Asia) circa 1920. It features a gilt meta...

An Indonesian Yogya-silver plate Yogyakarta or Kotagede, 1935-1940, marked, (alloy) 800 and maker’s mark PH (Prawirohardjo, act. from 1935) Diam. 27.2 cm Weight 454 grams Th...

An antique Burmese bronze temple gong with mallet from the early 20th century. Please note that the base is not included. Born in Burma during the early years of the 20th century, th...

Stunning 'Asian tribal art' festivity and ritual vessel with Chinese influences. This amazingly ornate, meaningful and highly decorative antique is entirely handcrafted and made of bronze. When you look at all the rare decorations, the sheer size and the stunning bronze patina of this early 1900s water kettle then you would almost forget to think about how difficult it must have been circa 1900 to get the raw materials and the tools to actually be able to create a piece like this. This bronze spouted vessel comes with a wide variety of real animals, but one can also see the Chinese influence in the Malay region, because this antique also has large dragons on either side, a Buddhist temple lion on top and possibly also a dragon's head from which the actual spout emerges (image 15 and 16). This antique water kettle...

An unusual and very fine antique Burmese silver oval box the cover decorated with a Tree of Life probably dating from the early 20th Century. The box is of flat oval shape with finel...