Album of drawings from Mandalay
Unknown artist, c. 1857–1885
This album of 48 drawings contains detailed depictions of a wide range of officials and their wives from the court of the last kings of Burma at Mandalay (1853-1885). Costumes are carefully depicted and each personage is accompanied by his or her insignia of rank such as swords, musical instruments and betel nut containers. Included are different grades of court officials, high ranking army officers, princes and other significant court figures of the time, including Brahmin priests. This album is an important addition to the V&A's collection of Burmese court costume and books showing court dress from the same time period.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Album of drawings from Mandalay, c. 1857–1885
Date supported
2009
Medium and material
Watercolour & gold on paper
Dimensions
38 x 23.5 cm
Grant
11000
Total cost
27000

Get a National Art Pass and explore V&A South Kensington
You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK
National Art Pass offers available at V&A South Kensington
Art Funded by you FAQs
Contact us
If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.