Description (Labels & Markings)
Handwritten note reads 'The Me gyaung There are 3 strings 11 [illegible] to support them.' This is followed by a diagram of how the musical instrument would have been set up. The other side of the paper reads 'Mon: Yay klap pa ohn'.
Event Date
Author: Annie McKay

Description (Labels & Markings)
Original label seen in zither reads 'BURMESE VOIL. This instrument from its form is called MI GYOUNG the native name for the crocodile; the art of playing it has almost died out in Burmah. The glass inlaying (executed in Prome) is a good example of this kind of work, which is generally applied to religious purposes. [illegible]'. There appears to have been a tape or additional label adhered to the bottom of the label with black handwriting however this is illegible.
Event Date
Author: Annie McKay

Description (Labels & Markings)
Handwritten label with typed letter head reads 'From ... FREDERICK H. NORTH, ANTIQUES AND WORKS OF ART, 99, CRAWFORD STREET, Baker Sr., London, W.1 PHONE: PADDINGTON 3796. 7th June 1969 Mr Noel Singer No. 12 Lavistock Terrace London. N.19. Burmese voil carved wood in the form of a crocodile and inset with coloured glass. For the sum of £38-0-0. Deposit paid £5-0-0 Balance to pay £33-0-0 [signature] Paid in full 13.6.69'.
Event Date 13/6/1969
Author: Annie McKay

Context (References)
Singer, Noel Francis. 1997. ''An Offering for Southern Tunes': Pyu Dancers and Mon Musicians at the Tang Court in 802 AD. In Arts of Asia. vol 27 no 6. pp. 98-106.
Event Date 1997
Author: Annie McKay

Description (Physical description)
Zither in the shape of a mi gyaung (crocodile) decorated with gilding and glass mosaic. The original pegs and strings are still attached to the instrument, they were seen in the middle compartment of the piece. The zither is highly decorated with glass mosaics to show scales and facial features, the piece is in good condition. The teeth are made out of white glass, only one is missing from the left hand side. The nose of the mi gyaung would have originally been gilded however much of this has been rubbed off. The top of the head has a row of silver or gold mosaic. The back of the head and two sides of the crocodile is covered with green mosaics with decoration around them displaying scales. The tail mimics the band of mosaics on the head.
The top of the zither opens up into a compartment where strings, pegs and labels were found. The compartment itself has been varnished or lacquered. The strings of the musical instrument were seen in a 'Bristol' cigarette box.
There appears to be a small amount of blue tack adhered to the back right hand corner of the inner compartment.
Event Date 16/11/2017
Author: Annie McKay