Burmese Fortune Teller's Book

Animals, riders and a procession, drawn in tiny strokes on old paper.

This fortune teller’s book was made in Burma in the 19th century in paper and pigment. Folded manuscripts like this are commonly associated with astrology and divination in Southeast Asia. In the visible panels, small figures include riders, animals and an elephant, drawn in red and black with blocks of script beside them. The folded paper is warm, stained cream, rubbed at the edges. The text is not translated here. It opens in a long accordion form.

About 16 inches tall. A forecast in several species.