The Burmese Prime Minister

ca. 1826

The Burmese Prime Minister - sitting on a European style chair on a balustraded terrace overlooking the ?Irrawady and the hills beyond dotted with ?pagodas - is portrayed in his elaborate military court costume. Consisting of a gold embroidered plum coloured watlum (robe) over a draped pah-soe (type of sarong); a heavily gold embroidered cloud collar and breast plate; and a brimmed golden helmet with a spire like ornament and ear flaps. Inscribed on the back: "The Kalein-men-Woonghee [probably Kawlin Mingy, Chief negotiator for the Burmese government with the British, 1st Jan 1826] in the War dress of ceremony worn by him at the conferences of Malloon - Janry lst 1826".