Burma, 1873

by Bourne and Shepherd

Used by the King of Burma during ceremonial regattas, this immaculately decorated barge was constructed from two separate hulls fashioned with the heads of dragons and ornamented with sculptures of Garuda, the king of birds in Buddhist mythology. Taken by the English partnership of Bourne and Shepherd, this image provides a small glimpse into the majesty of mid-19th century Burmese culture.