Royal Burmese Paddle

 A Paddle from Burma. Carved wood lacquered red with gilt traces. Attached is a label reading ‘ Paddle of King Thebaw of Burmas State Canoe. Once covered in gold (looted)’.  King Thibaw was the last ruler of the Konbaung Dynasty of Myanmar, ruling from the famour Mandalay Palace, until his overthrow by the British in 1885. This paddle presumably dates from before this event.  Some damages and wear to gilt. The paddle has been cut and mitre joined together in the past in the mid handle region. 

southern asia