Antique Burmese Kammavaca Manuscript

Antique Burmese Kammavaca manuscript in lacquered wood.
The Kammavaca contains precepts and rules of conduct derived from the Buddhist canon (Tipitaka), intended for the training of monks.

These manuscripts were usually offered to monasteries during important religious ceremonies, particularly at the ordination of a novice or their formal entry into the monastic community (Sangha), as an act of merit by the family.

The text is written in the Pāli language, the liturgical language of Theravāda Buddhism, using Burmese characters. The writings appear on both sides, drawn on a thick black lacquer base using traditional ink made from tamarind seeds, giving the characters a glossy and durable finish. The manuscript consists of two wooden covers and 11 leaves.

Provenience: Myanmar (Burma)
Period: early 20th century

Dimensions: 12 × 58 cm (4.72 × 22.83 inches)