Pali Manuscript - Burmese Buddhist Palm Leaf Kammavacca
Sixteen 5 3/8" x 22 3/4" lacquered palm leaves with large tamarind script written in black resin on red- and- gold background with elaborate gold design on both sides of leaves. All sixteen leaves resting between two protective teak covers (Kyan), which are elaborately painted in red and gold with decorative images of Shiva. One small hole in each leaf for previously present bamboo-pin or binding cord (Sasigyo), which held the manuscript in place. Lacking bamboo-pin or Sasigyo.Buddhist scriptures (sutras) have been recorded on palm leaves or bamboo slivers for over 2,000 years. They were written in Pali, the language in which the scriptures of Theravada Buddhism (Pali Canon) were documented. Often used for the ordination of a Buddhist monk, they detailed principles that monks in Burma were required to follow, as well as sutras from the Buddha. Each leaf with six lines of text, which are read horizontally from left to right. First and last leaf inset with decorative panels in gold on either side of the opening stanza. Alle remaining leaves with script on both sides. Teak covers beveled to give a raised effect of the richly decorative surface.Age wear, some staining and abrasions on teak wood. Top of one board heavily abraded with faded gold illustrations. Same board with 1 1/2" hole at rear extending to small hole in front of board. Corner of other cover cracked with two small punctures near lower edge on opposite side. Boards in fair to good-, leaves in very good condition.
Handsome complete Burmese Kammavacca manuscript for the ordination ceremony of Buddhist priests.
Binding: Hardcover
Book ID: 32139
Price: $2,750.00
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