Sutra Or Kammavaca, Burma

Sutra or Kammavaca (The content has not yet been translated) of a Theravada Buddhist monastery, containing sacred texts of the Pali canon or monk ordination, handwritten (Pali writing, Burmese script) on latanier leaves (Doum palm). The edges of the leaves are gilded with gold, sandwiched between two lacquered woods. The manuscript is wrapped in silk velvet (Reflecting the status of the donor and the use, such as a high dignitary or person of royal blood) and tightened by a ribbon embroidered with sacred writings, the reading stylus is slipped between its knots. These manuscripts were often offered to monasteries by wealthy lay people, the fabric protects the manuscript but it also has a spiritual value: By wrapping the sacred texts in a precious fabric, one shows deep respect for its content. Offering this type of manuscript to a monastery is a major meritorious act (Karma), associated with devotion and support for Buddhist teachings, the Dharma. Burma, circa 1850. Provenance: Collection of the art dealer Claude de Marteau. Sold with certificate of provenance. H 53 CM XP 7 CM XL 14 CM. View the sutra in full screen