Presented in this lot is a rare and exceptional 19th Century, Gilt Burmese Buddhist Kammavaca Sutra Manuscript. Provenance: the Owen D. Mort, Jr. Collection. Owen David Mort was an American engineer who amassed an impressive collection throughout his worldwide travels. His collection has included art, artifacts and other historical items from which he has donated to museums at the University of Utah and the Snite Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame, including African, Afghan and Asian artifacts. Sutras are records of teachings given by the historical Buddha. The Kammavaca is a collection of extracts from the Pali Vinaya, the monastic code of discipline, outlining rituals and observances of the Buddhist order. It was customary for a Burmese family to commission a copy of the Kammavaca on the occasion of their son entering the monkhood. Sixteen leaves written on Pali in Burmese square script on gilded, lacquered and numbered palm leaves; each leaf is double-sided with the exception of the cover leaves which display exquisitely interlaced geometric panels adorned with celestial beings, mythical creatures, and birds to one face. The manuscript has stunning gilt, decorated, beveled edges and lacquered protective wood boards. The designs are painted in red lacquer and finally the script applied in black lacquer. This Sutra truly reflects the artistry of the Mandalay period of Burma. The leaves appear in nice, preserved condition, marring observed where leaves have been pierced for inserting binding ribbon or cord to secure the manuscript which when opened resembles a large hand-held fan. Some red and black lacquer exhibits slight fading, scuffing noted to both leaf and cover edges. Measurements are 22.5"L x 5.25"W x 1.25"D, and the weight is 4lb 6oz.*