Antique Shan-Style Burmese Temple Vessel

A 19th-Century Offering Vessel Radiating Sacred Burmese Craftsmanship

In the stillness of Burmese monasteries, where flickering candlelight once danced upon walls of gilded teak, vessels such as this Antique Shan-Style Burmese Temple Vessel held offerings of rice, fruit, and flowers for the monks. Its form is modeled after the graceful stupa — that sacred symbol of enlightenment — ascending in balanced tiers toward a slender finial that seems to touch the heavens. Every curve speaks to devotion, every brush of lacquer tells a story of reverence and artistry.

Handcrafted in the 19th century from woven bamboo and coated in natural lacquer derived from the thitsee tree, this antique vessel bears the hallmarks of the Shan tradition — an aesthetic that unites structural precision with ethereal spirituality. Layers of marigold and vermilion red lacquer shimmer with quiet warmth, their hues softened by time and ritual use. The contrast between the glowing marigold undertone and the deep crimson overlay evokes temple sunlight filtered through saffron robes — a palette steeped in tranquility and sacred life.

Imagine the authentic antique displayed upon a weathered teak console or nestled within a Vintage Boho interior, where its sculptural silhouette draws the eye and invites conversation. Though born of devotion, it now stands as an heirloom object of serene beauty — a relic transformed into art. The Antique Shan-Style Burmese Temple Vessel carries the soul of a faraway land, yet feels timeless in any refined home, especially those that value the patina of history.

The lacquer, aged to a soft luster, retains its original radiance despite gentle wear from generations past. This subtle aging enhances its allure — a tangible testament to lives lived and rituals performed. Holding it, one senses the faint echo of temple bells, the faint resinous scent of lacquer, the whisper of prayer drifting through warm monsoon air.

Whether gracing a collector’s cabinet or presented as a treasured heirloom gift, this Antique Shan-Style Burmese Temple Vessel embodies reverence and craftsmanship — a luminous union of form, faith, and artistry that continues to inspire across centuries.

Design Features

• Handcrafted 19th-century Burmese vessel in Shan temple form

• Constructed from bamboo with natural lacquer layers

• Finial and stepped design inspired by Buddhist stupas

• Retains original marigold and red lacquer finish

Color Palette

• Marigold yellow

• Vermilion red

• Earth-worn amber patina

Condition Notes

• Normal wear consistent with age and use

• Minor surface variations enhance authenticity and character

Origin & Construction

• Hand-lacquered in Burma (Myanmar), 19th century

• Shan-style craftsmanship using traditional thitsee lacquer

Dimensions

• Height: 34"

• Diameter: 15.5"