Antique Burmese Manuscript - Kammavaca book
Nr. 3901-1

Burmese Kammavaca manuscript, full layout of gilded wooden leaves with black script

Close-up of gilded wooden manuscript leaves with black script and engraved borders

Kammavaca manuscript leaves with black script and an engraved figure panel, angled view

Gilded Kammavaca leaf with engraved ornament and red staining, close-up

Engraved figure panel beside black script on a gilded wooden manuscript leaf

Close-up of black calligraphy on a gilded wooden manuscript leaf with decorative bands

Detail of black script lines on a gold-toned manuscript leaf with engraved border

Gilded wooden cover or end board with circular medallion, angled close-up

Shallow-focus view of several Kammavaca manuscript leaves with black script in rows

Close-up of laid-out manuscript leaves with black script, soft background focus

Full view of Kammavaca manuscript with red cover boards and laid-out text leaves

Kammavaca leaf with engraved figure panel and black script, red cover board above

Angled close-up of several wooden manuscript leaves with black script

Detail of text rows on gilded Kammavaca leaves with soft-focus upper boards

Engraved framed figure on a gilded manuscript leaf with a text column beside it

Corner detail of a manuscript leaf showing black script and engraved border ornament

Composition with engraved panel and red cover board, close-up of surface wear

Closed Kammavaca book with gilded cover board, angled top view

Side view of the closed manuscript bundle showing layered leaf edges between boards

Detail of the gilded cover board with circular medallion and engraved floral scrolls

More photos

Antique Burmese Manuscript - Kammavaca book
Nr. 3901-1

Store reviews

4.9/5

Details:

Material: Lacquered palm leaves
4,3 cm high
56,3 cm wide and 11,4 cm deep
Gilded with 24 krt. gold
19th century
A complete set : 16 pages + 2 wooden covers
The manuscript is written in Pali language, an old Buddhist language
It is in exceptional good condition !
Weight: 1,8 kgs
Originating from Burma (Myanmar)

Description

This Antique Burmese Manuscript, known as a Kammavaca book, represents a significant cultural and historical artifact from Myanmar, dating back to the 19th century. Crafted from lacquered palm leaves, it is not only a practical book but also a work of art, gilded with 24-carat gold, which enhances its visual and historical value. The manuscript is written in Pali, an ancient language that holds great significance in Buddhist texts, reflecting the deep-rooted spiritual traditions of the region.

Measuring 56.3 cm wide and 11.4 cm deep with a height of 4.3 cm, this complete set consists of 16 pages and two wooden covers, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship that has withstood the test of time. Weighing 1.8 kg, the Kammavaca embodies the meticulous skill of artisans who preserved this knowledge.

The Kammavaca text is a crucial aspect of the monastic code in Theravada Buddhism, outlining essential ceremonies and disciplines. Its preservation in such excellent condition allows for a glimpse into the historical context in which it was used. Myanmar, with its rich tapestry of Buddhist influence, has fostered a vibrant culture that values such manuscripts as carriers of religious and philosophical teachings, underlining the importance of preserving this historical narrative for future generations.

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