Photo 92/11(50)

Genre: Portrait Photography

Half-length portrait of Sow On, Sawbwa of Yaunghwe from 1887, seated in a chair in the shade of a tree. In his report on the Shan rulers (OIOC Mss Eur F278/66) Scott gives a frank assessment of his character: 'Extremely unpleasant; boorish and unmannerly to a degree. Plumes himself on being the first Sawbwa to accept British suzerainty, but his submission was due to a just conviction that it was his only chance of safety. Affects to be chief adviser to the Superintendent, and is irrepressible and insatiable in his habit of intrigue. Was fined Rs. 10,000 for devastating Loilon in the spring of 1888 and considers himself very ill-used, as he was only doing what, he says, the Burmese Government would have expected him to do. Has wonderful ideas about Russia and France, also China, which nations, he has periodical information, are marching on the Shan States. Disliked by all his brother chiefs and very much feared by his people. Has neverthe less shrewd notions of developing his State.'

[Albumen print, 117x175mm].

Subjects = Burmese rulers; sawbwas (Shan rulers); Scott (Sir George) Collection

Location = Burma; Myanmar; Shan; Yaunghwe