PROPERTY FROM THE NOBLE SILVER COLLECTION A SILVER OFFERING BOWL WITH SCENES OF THE MAHANIPATA JATAKALOWER BURMA (MYANMAR), CIRCA 1915 The underside has an inscription, translated, "Madam Shan Ma's silver bowl". 6 in. (15.2 cm) high; 11 1/4 in. (28.5 cm) diameter; 43.4 troy oz (1,349 grams) approximate weight This ceremonial offering bowl depicts a rarepilation of the Mahanipata Jataka, each represented in one of its ten narrative scenes. The Mahanipata Jataka Of the 547 jatakas in the traditional Theravada Pali collection, the final ten are the most frequently represented in Burmese silverwork. These are known as the Mahanipata Jataka and recount the bodhisattva's final perfection of ten key Buddhist virtues. Through the captivating allegorical imagery depicted on Burmese silverwork, the core teachings of the Buddha were made more accessible to laypeople. In this manner, Burmese silverwork functioned as an engaging educational tool, reinforcing Burmese Buddhist values. Yet, the jatakas also extended beyond the temple or household and into the political and public spheres. The penultimate king of Burma, Mindon (r.1853-78), urged his ministers to behave like their counterparts in the jatakas, identifying the Mahanipata Jataka as particularly informative. The revival of Buddhism was a matter close to Mindon's heart, and his new capital Mandalay, founded in 1857, became the spiritual center of Theravada Buddhism (Bechert & Gombrich (eds.), The World of Buddhism , 1984, p.148). Published: David Owens, Burmese Silver Art: Masterpieces Illuminating Buddhist, Hindu and Mythological Stories of Purpose and Wisdom , 2020, p.81, no.S84, fig.3.64.