Paintings Misc

PM 1

Birman Gilt War Boats

T. Stothard

1826

20" x 14" 

(51 x 35.5 cm)

Framed: $70

Unframed: $25

The Burmese had developed a number of excellent warboats 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."

PM 2

Ma Si Gway

Sir Gerald Festus Kelly

c. 1909

17" x 20" 

(43 x 51 cm)

Framed: $75

Unframed: $30

PM 3

Road from Rangoon to Prome

Elsie K. Simson Powell

20" x 14" 

(51 x 35.5 cm)

Framed: $70

Unframed: $25