Burmese Art

The artistic and commercial value of paintings and works of art from Burma (the state now known as Myanmar) is being increasingly recognised around the world.

The Burmese economy has been developing rapidly in recent years, spurred by increasing trade with the likes of India, Thailand and China and the lifting of sanctions by the UN in 2015. Improving diplomatic relations are also impacting on scholarship and cultural exchange. The first exhibition of Burmese art loaned from Burmese institutions, Buddhist Art of Myanmar opened to rave reviews on February 10 at the Asia Society, New York and runs until May 10 2015.

Chiswick Auctions is committed to providing a platform for the sale of Burmese art within London and has achieved strong results within the field in recent auctions, with Burmese material forming part of a dedicated section within the quarterly Asian Art sale is reserved for pieces

Recent successes include a 19th Century Parabaik fragment depicting the Buddha’s relics being honoured by the Malla Kings. The piece, measuring 49 by 186cm, would have once been part of a larger folding book depicting the Life of Buddha. The piece sold on 5 May for £4,800. A white marble figure of a Buddha, seated in maravijaya, with gilt decoration inlaid with coloured glass sold in the same sale for £1,320.

England’s shared history with Burma dates back to the 18th Century and there are therefore important pieces in private collections waiting to be discovered.

If you are interested in consigning pieces please contact the Asian Art department for more details on lazarus@chiswickauctions.co.uk or +44(0)203 110 0603