VINTAGE BURMESE PARABAIK MANUSCRIPT

A folding-book manuscript (parabaik) written in black ink using the Shan alphabet. The manuscript measures about 15.75" long x 7" wide x 3.25" thick and opens accordion-style, the typical medium used in early-modern Myanmar and other countries of southeast Asia. We estimate this particular item to be from the late 19th or early 20th century.

Condition is good+. There is some chipping on the edges of the red end-wrappers, affecting the first and last few paper-folds only mildly. The wrappers are also soiled and flecked with tiny, stuck-on partcles. There are dark brown stains on the edges of the first and last third or so of the text, but the writing itself remains unaffected. The thick, robust paper is intact and not torn, although the foredges are darkened with soiling.

A fascinating artifact, much-handled but still sturdy and intact. Item #319607

Price: $1,250.00