Burmese embossed silver presentation chalice or trophy

Engraved with an inscription that identifies it as prestigious gift from the engineernig staff of 'B.C.C, Thaeyetmyo,' (probably the Burma Christian Council), this beautiful silver chalice is a remarkable demonstration of Southeast Asian metalwork.

It is embossed with a multitude of human and animal figures, and centred on a spectacular silver sculpture of a winged and kneeling dancer. The bowl atop features a fluted rim and is embossed with a frieze of armed human figures, some with bows, in a kind of ceremonial procession, interspered with animal depictions and floral frames. In the centre a large figure of a kneeling dancer, with wings attached to the bracers of her wrists, supports the bowl above, while dressed in a marvellous scale-like costume with a beautiful trail attached to her waist and upper legs.

The frieze on the raised circular base below is embossed with a more dynamic array of figures, including human, seemingly engaged in the hunt, with animals such as an elephant, a temple dog, deer etc, placed in between. The inscription which reads in full, 'Presented by engineering staff B.C.C. Thayetmyo 1938,' identifies the piece as a highly prized and important gift: a celebrated sculptural, artistic, and decorative piece, which it is guaranteed to be again in the right household interior.