Burmese Fortune Teller's Book

Two rough boards, two small marks, and a stack of folded leaves.

This Burmese fortune teller’s book is made of paper and pigment, from the 19th century. Folding books like this were commonly made in Burma for manuscripts, calendars and astrology. The dark brown cover boards are rough and scratched, and each carries a small rectangular mark scratched or painted in a pale tone. Cream paper leaves show along the top edge. The rough, hand-worn texture makes it feel like something dug from a cupboard, which is the charm of it.

Pairs well with a candle and a quiet afternoon.