Vintage Miniature Hsun Ok Offering Vessel, Burma/Myanmar (6219EHC) SPECIAL PRICE

Description

Used in Theravada Buddhism in Burma/Myanmar a larger hsun ok is a vessel with a round bowl set on a pedestal that flares out to a circular foot-ring, with the top surmounted by a stupa like spire finial. Referred to as an offering vessel, traditionally many Burmese households use large ones to routinely bring offerings of food to the local monasteries and temples to feed monks. They are usually constructed of bamboo or another thin wood and covered with multiple coats of red lacquer of cinnabar mixed with natural tree sap.  Buddhists in Burma/Myanmar believe that offerings to support monks is an important duty and that making offerings helps accumulate merit to assure better karma in their next life.  Miniature vintage hsun oks are generally used as home decorations or on Burmese domestic shrines to hold very small items that are offered to the image of the Buddha located there, along with flowers and fruit. Domestic shrines are usually built into the sidewalls of homes and are the focus of daily devotions.