A Fine Burmese Silver Belt Buckle, Rangoon, ca. 1900

Description The silver belt buckle comprises three panels decorated with repoussé figures in high relief together forming a scene, possibly from a Jataka (see below). The rectangular central panel is attached to one cusped outer panel with a hinge and to the other with a simple clasp. On the central panel a male figure appears seated between two kneeling female figures while, on each of the outer panels, is a single peacock. The main repoussé figures are set against a scrolling foliate backdrop within a narrow frame with beaded inner edge. The outer edge of each panel is formed from bold bands of a scrolling foliate design. The buckle is made of a good gauge of silver and is of sterling standard or better. Control mark: There are no control marks. Dimensions & Weight: Width overall: 15.3 cm / 6 ins;    Height (max):  8.4 cm / 3 5/16 ins;       Weight: 176 gm / 5.7 ozT Jataka Simply defined, a jataka story is found in Buddhist literature and relates an episode in a past life of the Buddha. Usually, it is the Buddha who narrates the story of his past life, to explain something about a situation or character that he or his followers have encountered. There is always a character in the story who is identified as the Buddha-to-be. Many stories illustrate general Buddhist moral ideals, including honesty, wisdom, kindness, generosity and detachment.