This large, silver bowl is decorated with scenes from the Ramayana, with Rama, Lakshmana and Sita in the broad central band in-between bands of floral motifs as well as court figures in costume such as dancers and musicians. The plain silver rim is ornamented with a band of foliage design. The scenes on the bowl are hammered into the silver in high-relief or repoussé. Towards the base is also a broad band of upturned lotus petals. The shape of the bowl is inspired by a monk's alms bowl and is generally reserved for ceremonial purposes.The art of making silverware was practised in Burma for centuries. Scenes from the Buddhist Jataka Tales (Buddha's previous lives), the Indian epic, the Ramayana, and zodiac signs are typically depicted on such silverware.
