A SILVER MILK PITCHERLOWER BURMA (MYANMAR), CIRCA 1910 5 3/4 in. (14.5 cm) high; 15 troy oz (450 grams) approximate weight Under Burma's last monarchy, the court of the Konbaung dynasty (1752-1885) represented the Burmese silversmith's only clientele. When the British finally won their bid to colonize the country after the three Anglo-Burmese Wars of 1825–26, 1852–53 and 1885, they abolished sumptuary laws that had restricted the possession of silver to royalty, high officials, and a few elite families. In so doing, the British also created conditions that would give rise to new clienteles for local silversmiths. The British enthusiastically invested in the local silversmithing trade to support their own tradition ofmissioning trophies,memorative items, table services, and heirlooms. Suddenly, under this reorganized social, political, and economic environment, Burmese silversmiths had a new access to a broad, acquisitive clientele. Their artistic output displays an engaging blend of domestic and foreign subjects, forms, and functions that rewards close attention. Published: David Owens, Burmese Silver Art: Masterpieces Illuminating Buddhist, Hindu and Mythological Stories of Purpose and Wisdom , 2020, pp.108, no.S116, fig.3.128.