Initially a grave, memorial and sacred burial mound shaped like an inverted round bowl, it first appeared in India to contain the relics and/or the ashes of important Buddhist persons. It later evolved into a massive reliquary with a spire in its top, an axis mundi symbol of the imaginary line through the earth’s center around which the universe revolves. Small stupa or other shaped images (reliquaries) are used as ritual objects. The top of a Burmese offering container called a hsun ok recalls the shape of the height of tall decorative stupas.
Showing all 5 results
This 18th-century antique hand-made bronze 7-level stupa/pagoda was made in Nepal and was purchased in the 1970s in Kathmandu. This fine example has decorative details around the base and two of the round eaves have scalloped edges. It was used for personal devotion on a home altar or shrine. Antique Buddhist items are now extremely scarce in Nepal.
Beautifully shaped hsun ok pieces reveal much about Burmese artisans: their wood and lacquer skills are elegant, support for monastic life and devotion to Buddhism is heartfelt and their spiritual works enhance the lives of those who have them.This large hsun ok set on a pedestal flaring out to a foot-ring with a lid topped by a tall finial imitating the peak of a Buddhist stupa with applied elaborate mythical animals and floral decorations. Early 20th century pieces in good condition with these special details are very difficult to find and copies abound.
This elegant hsun-ok reveals much about the Burmese: their profound belief in Buddhism and commitment to support the monastic life, remarkable woodworking and lacquerware skills and sense of simplistic elegant design and form. It has a simple yet striking silhouette with raised circular layers on a pedestal base with woven vertical bands topped by a tall round finial recalling a Buddhist pagoda or stupa. This graceful piece is a perfect accent for any décor.
Made in Pagan this miniature hsun ok demonstrates the remarkable sense of design of Burmese wood-carvers. It is crafted in two separate parts and replicates the shape of larger hsun-Ok, which traditionally have covers with spired lids topped by elegant finials that imitate the soaring outline of Burmese stupa finials. This modest piece is composed of circular tiers repeated on the foot and the bottom part of the stupa finial top.
Given its small size, this hsun ok may have simply served as a decorative piece. It has a beautiful profile that rising from a woven bamboo base topped by a stupa-like double bulbous finial. Its simple sophisticated design is comprised of rows of applied lacquer and ash lines, triangles and beaded borders that are hand applied Small but very elegant, this 20th century hsun ok is unique, with fine embellishments and a wonderful warm patina.
End of content
End of content
