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Burmese Carving with Scenes from Ramayana

Burmese Carving with Scenes from Ramayana

AGE: – 18th – 19th Century
CONSTRUCTION: – Teak wood
HEIGHT: – 89cm
WIDTH: – 37cm
DEPTH: – 29cm
WEIGHT: -13.15 Kg.

#501 – PRICE: CONTACT

This Burmese Carving with Scenes from Ramayana referred to as “Yama Zatdaw” in Burma, is carved from a solid piece of teak wood, showing a group of figures depicted in Burmese Zat pwe theatre and Yoke Thay puppet shows. The “Ramayana” is one of two great Hindu epic tales, the other “Mahabharata”, and is a popular theme in Burma, depicted in many Burmese wood carvings, bone carvings and paintings.

The initial appearance of Rama’s depictions is evident in Bagan, within the Ramayana Murals in Abeyadana temple, constructed under the rule of King Kyansittha (AD 1084-1113), an abundance of exquisite murals show paintings portraying Hindu and Mahayanist deities. Among these paintings, one can find representations of Vishnu, Rama, and Hanuman.

This carving was one of six pieces which undoubtedly together would have given a clearer picture of its meaning.  However, we feel that the scenes closely match the following tale from the Ramayana, bearing in mind that this piece is just one of six and is the Burmese version known as the “Yama Zatdaw”. This is the only one we acquired, we were told that they came from an old pagoda. The polychrome is worn through age and possible exposure to the elements, but one can still see how colourful it once was.
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Burmese Carving with Scenes from Ramayana
Burmese Carving with Scenes from Ramayana
Side 1 View Burmese Teak Wood Carving
Side 2 Kidnapping of Sita and Hanuman
Burmese Carving with Scenes from Ramayana
Ramayana Scenes near base of Burmese Teak Wood Carving
Figure with Deer head sitting on top of head
Ravana Kidnapping Sita
Rayamana Scene with Monkey
Side 2 Lakshmana or Rama from Ramayana Tales
Side 2 Lakshmana or Rama Carved Figure
Back view Burmese Teak Wood Carving of Ramayana
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