5pm close ONLINE ONLY ESTATE COLLECTABLE AUCTION
Thursday, 9 - Monday, 13 November 2023
SAÙNG-GAUK Arched Harp. BURMA (MYANMAR) C1960. BOX H.965mm...
Current Bid $40 (7 bids, reserve met)
This lot is now closed 13 Nov 9:38 PM (NZST)
Buyer premium and GST is additional to your bid.
All bids are subject to our buyer terms and conditions
Lot Details
AN ARCHED HARP WITH A LONG NECK CARVED FROM A TREE ROOT FROM WHICH 14 SILK STRINGS EXTEND TO THE BODY. THE TOP OF THE BODY IS COVERED WITH DEER HIDE PIERCED IN FOUR PLACES. IT IS PAINTED RED, BLACK AND GILT AND DECORATED WITH STYLISED FLOWER HEADS INLAID WITH MICA AND GLASS, AS WELL AS A STYLISED BODHI TREE LEAF AT THE ENDS OF THE STRING BAR. THE STAND IS SIMILARLY DECORATED WITH FLOWER HEADS ON THE FLAT BASE AND HAS TWO SCROLLED UPRIGHTS ON WHICH THE HARP SITS WHEN NOT BEING PLAYED. THE SAUNG-GAUK IS THE NATIONAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT OF BURMA AND EVIDENCE EXISTS OF IT BEING CONTINUOUSLY PLAYED SINCE THE 8TH CENTURY, PREDOMINANTLY IN THE CHAMBER MUSIC OF THE ROYAL COURT.
