B&W Photos Boats & Rivers
BO 1
Burmese Boat
Unknown, 1880s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 2
Burmese Paddy Boat
Philip Klier, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 3
Burmese Paddy Boat
Philip Klier, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 6
Rice Boat
Unknown, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
Note the person sitting on the yard
BO 5
Two Sailing Boats Racing
Unknown, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
During the monsoon season, when the prevailing wind is South-West, these boats, carrying an immense spread of canvas, vie with the river cargo steamers in point of speed. A race between two or more “Knaus” is one of the sights on the river, and no prettier sight can be seen anywhere than a large fleet getting underway in the early morning.
BO 6
Trading Boats
Unknown, 1870s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 7
Burmese Paddy Boat
Philip Klier, 1880s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 8
A Burmese cargo or trading boat, on the Irrawaddy
J. Jackson, c. 1868
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 9
Irrawaddy Sailing Boat
Unknown, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 10
Rice Boat on the Irrawaddy
Philip Klier, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
The stern of a Burmese paddy boat. This view shows the helmsman seated in the steering chair in the raised stern of an Irrawaddy River paddy boat or laung-zat. This was an old vessel used to transport rice down to Rangoon. The stern quarters were generally decorated with elaborate woodcarvings. The carving of the steering chair is admirably suited to stand the sunshine and rain of Burma and is a good example of how the Burmese carve for their own pleasure.
BO 11
Boatsman
Unknown, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 12
Burmese Boatman
Unknown, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 13
Stern of a Paddy Boat
Beato, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 14
Stern of a Rice Boat
Watts & Skeen, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 15
Upper Irrawaddy
Johannes & Co. c. 1897
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 16
Curiously rigged freight boat
Underwood & Underwood, c. 1900
Photo: 8.25" x 8.25" (21 x 21 cm)
Frame; 14" x 14" (36 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 17
Paddy Boats
Unknown, 1880s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 18
Left bank of the river at Myingyan
Hooper, 1885
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 19
View looking up the river between Ava and Sagain
Hooper, 1885
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 20
Sagain
Bourne & Shepherd, 1874
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 21
Irrawaddy Barges, Mandalay
Bourne & Shepherd, 1874
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 22
Boats docked at a Riverside
Johannes & Co, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 23
Burmese racing boats
Klier, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
This view shows two racing canoes, with spectators watching from a grandstand on the bank. Rowing is a traditional Burmese sport, and races often took place as part of spectacular water festivals such as the one at Ava described by V.C. Scott O’Connor in 1907: “Another of the great spectacles of Ava was the Water Festival held upon the river at the turn of the year when its waters began to fall. To this, the King and Queen came in the royal barge, a magnificent object with a spire thirty feet high, and overlaid with gold. The princes and courtiers similarly came in golden boats, and upon the river, for three days the war-boats of the King, and the boats of nobles and courtiers, raced each other, to the lively songs of the rowers. The very oars of the royal boats were gilded, and as the boats circled the spray flew from their blades, and the sun blazed upon their magnificence. On the evening of the third day, the festival ended to the sound of cannon, as the royal barge moved in procession through the assembled boats.”
BO 24
A Burmese war boat
J. Jackson, c. 1874
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
The Burmese had developed a number of excellent war-boats for use on the many rivers. They proved to be very effective during the Sino-Burmese war in 1769 and also came into use during the First Anglo-Burmese war 1824-26.
Michael Symes described such boats in his book An Account of an Embassy to the Kingdom of Ava, sent by the Governor-General of India, in the Year 1795.
"By far the most respectable part of the Birman military force is their establishment of war-boats. Every town of note, in the vicinity of the river, is obliged to furnish a certain number of men, and one or more boats, in proportion to the magnitude of the place. I was informed that the king can command, at a very short notice, five hundred of these vessels: they are constructed out of the solid trunk of the teak tree, which is excavated partly by fire, and partly by cutting; the largest are from eighty to one hundred feet long, but the breadth seldom exceeds eight feet, and even this space is produced by artificially extending the sides after the trunk has been hollowed. They carry from fifty to sixty rowers, who use short oars that work on a spindle; the prow is solid, and has a flat surface, on which, when they go to war, a piece of ordnance is mounted, a six, a nine, or even a twelve pounder; the gun carriage is secured by lathings to strong bolts on each side, and swivels are frequently fixed on the curvature of the stern.
The rowers are severally provided with a sword and a lance, which are placed by his side whilst he plies the oars. Besides the boatmen, there are usually thirty soldiers on board, who are armed with muskets: thus prepared, they go in fleets to meet the foe, and, when in sight, draw up in a line, presenting their prows to the enemy. Their attack is extremely impetuous; they advance with great rapidity, and sing a warsong, at once to encourage their people, daunt their adversaries, and regulate the strokes of their oars; they generally endeavour to grapple, and “when that is effected, the action becomes very severe, as these people are endued with great courage, strength, and activity.
In times of peace, they are fond of exercising in their boats, and I have often been entertained with the dexterity they display in the management of them. The vessels being low in the water, their greatest danger is that of being run down by a larger boat striking on their broadside, a misfortune which the steersman is taught to dread, and to avoid, above all others. It is surprising to see the facility with which they steer, and elude each other in their mock combats. The rowers are also practised to row backwards, and impel the vessel with the stern foremost; this is the mode of retreat, by means of which the artillery still bears upon their opponent. The largest of the war-boats do not draw more than three feet water. When a person of rank is on board, there is a sort of moving tilt or canopy, for his particular accommodation, placed sometimes in the centre, and sometimes on the prow. The sides of the boat are either gilt as far as the water’s edge, or plain, according to the rank of the person it carries. Gilded boats are only permitted to princes of the blood, or to persons holding the highest stations, such as a Maywoon of a province, and a minister of state."
The boat in the photograph is equipped with 40 oars, and a steering oar used over port quarter. This might well be the only photograph of such a war boat as they were already obsolete by the time the picture was taken.
BO 25
The Moulmein Steamer arriving
Watts & Skeen, 1895
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 26
Rangoon Riverbank
Watts & Skeen, 1895
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 27
River Scene, Rangoon
Philip Klier, c. 1901
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 28
The Harbour, Rangoon
Philip Klier, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 29
Rangoon Harbour
Klier, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 30
Rangoon from the River
Klier, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 31
View of Rangoon, from the Dalla side of the river
J. Jackson, c. 1873
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
This photo was taken sometime between 1873 and 1876 from Dalat. You can see the Irrawaddy Flotilla paddle steamer Bassein which was built by Barclay, Curle &Co. Ltd. in Glasgow in 1865. It had a 2cyl, 110hp steam engine and was 124ft (37.8m) long and 21ft (6.4m) wide. In 1900 the steamer was converted to a hulk.
In the background behind the Bassein on the left are the Public Offices (District Court) on Strand Road which were replaced by the New Law Courts in 1927 and are now housing the Rosewood Hotel.
BO 32
View of Rangoon, from the Dalla side of the river
J. Jackson, c. 1873
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 33
View of Rangoon, from the Dalla side of the river
J. Jackson, c. 1885
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 34
Arrival of the Tenasserim at Rangoon
Hooper, 1885
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 35
View of Rangoon, from the Dalla side of the river
Unknown, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 36
Poozoundoung Greek
Philip Klier, 1880s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 37
Patent slip
Tripe, 1855
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 38
View of the Irrawaddy River near the Shamir's Landing Place
Felice Beato c. 1887
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 39
View up the Irrawaddy from Bhamo
Hooper, 1885
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 40
The Royal Barge
Bourne & Shepherd, 1874
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
In the book The Land of the White Elephant, the Author Frank Vincent gives the following description of the state barge of the King of Burma: "This splendid vessel is built on two large canoes, and is covered with the richest carving and gilding. When in use it is drawn by war boats. In the centre is a lofty tower, with eight or nine square stories or terraces of black and gold, summoned by the tea or umbrella. The prows of the two canoes on which this water palace is constructed consist each of a silver dragon; and behind each dragon is the fierce colossal figure of a warrior deity called by the Burmese a Nat, but which is evidently identical with one of the Devatas of Hindoo mythology, of whom Indra is the special type. The sterns of the canoes are beautifully adorned with fretted work consisting of small pieces of looking glass, which has a very rich appearance. There is also a barge for the exclusive use of the queens. it is of beautiful workmanship, with decks and apartments, and, like the king's barge, is towed by war boats. These barges form a part of the king's "navy."
BO 41
The Floating Palace on the Irrawaddy River
Beato c. 1887
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 42
King Thibaw's state barge moored on the Irrawaddy
at Mandalay
Philip Klier, c. 1886
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 43
The Royal Barge
J. Jackson, 1870s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 44
King Theebaw's State Barge on the moat, Mandalay
Hooper, 1885
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 45
Burmese State Barge at Sagaing
Archaeological Survey
of Burma, 1903
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 46
Ceremonial Barge
Philip Klier, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 47
Ceremonial Barge
Philip Klier, 1880s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 48
The fleet at Pagan
Hooper, 1885
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 49
One of King Theebaw's war steamers
Hooper, 1885
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 50
Irrawaddy River with the 'Sladen' formerly King Theebaw's steamer
Felice Beato, c. 1888
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 51
Bhamo, Kachin Hills in the Distance
Unknown, c. 1888
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
The Steamer Prome in the photograph was built in 1867 and in service until 1892.
BO 52
River Scene
Unknown c. 1888
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
The steamer in the centre is the Munepoor. Built in 1887 by William Denny & Bros, Dumbarton, it was in service until 1920. The vessel was 250 ft (75m) long and 35 ft (10.5 m) wide and had a 2 cyl 298hp steam engine.
BO 53
The Steamer Rangoon
Unknown, 1880s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
The Steamer Rangoon was built in 1879 by William Denny & Bros, Dumbarton. It was in service until 1938. The vessel was 250ft (75m) long 30 ft (9m) wide and had a 2 cyl 232hp steam engine.
BO 54
Scene on the river bank at Theyetmyo
Hooper, 1885
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 55
A steamer of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company
Hooper, 1885
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 56
Arrival of the Expedition at Mandalay
Hooper, 1885
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 57
Landing at Mandalay
of HE the Viceroy and Governor-General of India
Hooper, 1885
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 58
Moulmein from the river
Klier, 1880s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 59
The Harbour, Moulmein
Klier, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 60
Martaban from the river
Philip Klier, 1880s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 61
The 2nd Defile near Bhamo
Watts & Skeen, 1895
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 62
The 2nd Defile near Bhamo
Watts & Skeen, 1895
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 63
The 2nd Defile near Bhamo
Watts & Skeen, 1895
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 64
Scene in the 2nd Defile, a fishing craft
Watts & Skeen, 1895
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 65
The second defile on the Irrawaddy River
Philip Klier, 1890s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 66
The 1st Defile near Myitkyina
Watts & Skeen, 1895
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 67
Confluence of the Melika and
Hmika rivers north of Myitkyina
Watts & Skeen, 1895
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 68
Salween River near Hpa An
Klier, 1880s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20
BO 69
Salween River
Klier, 1880s
Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)
Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)
Framed: USD 50
Unframed: USD 20