The Exhibition "700 Years of Bonds, Unveiling the Journey of Italians in Myanmar"
The exhibition "700 Years of Bonds, Unveiling the Journey of Italians in Myanmar" commented by the Italian Head of Mission, Nicolò Tassoni Estense, who organised it in June 2025 in Yangon
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The historical and contemporary connection between Italy and Myanmar (formerly Burma) spans over 700 years, characterized by exploration, religious missions, and technical cooperation, particularly during the 19th-century Konbaung dynasty. While the British annexation in 1885 disrupted early ties, a modern Italian expat community and diplomatic presence persist, alongside, more recently, controversial economic, cultural, and political links.
Historical Connections
Early Explorers and Missionaries:
Marco Polo was likely the first Italian to set foot in Myanmar in the 13th century.
In the 15th century, Nicolo de Conti documented his travels there, describing it as a land of high civilization.
19th Century "Special Partnership": In the 1870s, King Mindon of Burma established a strong relationship with Italy, aiming to modernize his kingdom with European expertise.
Technicians and Modernization: Italian engineers and technicians helped modernize Mandalay, introducing electricity, setting up factories, and serving as royal doctors.
Cultural Exchange: Italian painters were employed in the royal court of King Mindon and King Thibaw.
Religious Missions: PIME missionaries (Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions) were active in the Shan and Kayah regions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Key Italian Figures in Myanmar
Father Abbona: A charismatic missionary from Turin who was a close advisor to King Mindon and negotiated peace during the Second Anglo-Burmese War.
Salvatore Cioffi (Lokanatha): Born in Naples in 1897, he became a revered Buddhist monk known as "Lokanatha" and a major figure in popularizing Buddhism in the West.
Leonardo Fea (1852–1903): An artist and naturalist who traveled to Burma between 1885 and 1889, discovering thousands of new species and documenting biodiversity in the region.
Felice Beato (1832-1909): A photographer whose work extensively documented 19th-century Burma and is featured in exhibitions tracing the Italian-Burmese connection.
Yadana Nat-Mei: A descendant of King Mindon who married an Italian and lived in Italy, providing a direct, modern familial link between the two nations.
Modern Relations and Community
Diplomatic and Cultural Ties: Italy maintains an embassy in Yangon, which frequently highlights the 700-year history of cooperation, including exhibitions like "700 Years of Bonds, Unveiling the Journey of Italians in Myanmar".
Expats in Myanmar: An Italian community exists in Myanmar, with members working and residing in Yangon, Mawlamyine, and Mandalay.
Business and Controversies: Italian companies have been involved in trade, but some have faced scrutiny. For instance, reports have highlighted Italian firms dealing in, or importing, teak from Myanmar, and a "secretive" Italian firm, Danieli, has been linked to the military junta's steel industry.
Political Support: Italy has previously expressed support for the democratic process in Myanmar and has supported initiatives to promote human rights and the amendment of the 2008 constitution.
Exhibitions and cultural events in 2024–2025 have aimed to strengthen these, at times, overlooked historical bonds.
The connection between Italians and gold in Myanmar (formerly Burma) spans over 700 years, characterized by exploration, diplomacy, and, more recently, technical cooperation, with a rich history of interaction within the "Land of Gold."
Historical and Cultural Connections (13th–19th Century)
The First Italians: Marco Polo is recorded as the first Italian—and first European—to visit Myanmar in the 13th century.
Renowned Travelers: The relationship continued through Renaissance travelers, including Nicolò de Conti, Girolamo di Santo Stefano, Lodovico Varthema, Gaspare Balbi, and Cesare Federici.
Diplomatic Ties: In the 19th century, particularly during the 1871 treaty, the Burmese court welcomed Italian envoys with high honors, including a, "40 Golden Royal barges" flotilla and the King's letter being carried on a gold plate.
Missionaries: A Piedmontese Order of the Oblates, led by Father Abbona, built a special partnership with King Mindon in the 19th century.
Modern Connections and Industry
Exhibition of Relations: In 2025, the Italian Embassy in Yangon highlighted this long-standing bond through an exhibition, "700 Years of Bonds: Unveiling the Journey of Italians in Myanmar".
Technical Cooperation: Between 1871 and 1885, Italian technicians supported the modernization of the Burmese Kingdom, documenting local customs and mapping regions.
Jewelry and Art: Italian, 18ct yellow gold rings featuring Burmese rubies, and other jewelry, reflect a long-lasting trade and appreciation for, "Burma ruby".
Current Economic Activity: While not direct extraction, modern Italian firms have been associated with industrial projects in the country.
"Land of Gold": Myanmar is historically referred to as the "Land of Gold," with, "gold leaf beating" being a traditional craft, especially in Mandalay.
Resources: Myanmar has industrial gold mines, but much of the mining is done by individual panners in the, "jungles".
Market: The, "gold market" is liquid, though exporting it is illegal, with, "wholesalers" located in, "Yangon" and, "Mandalay".
Burmese rubies, particularly those from the historic Mogok Valley, are considered the finest in the world, renowned for their "pigeon’s blood" red color, intense, natural fluorescence, and high value. Historically, these gems have been highly prized by European royalty and Italian jewelers, with reports of them dating back to Marco Polo.
Key Aspects of Italian Connections and Burmese Rubies:
Historical Significance: For over 800 years, the Mogok Stone Tract in Upper Burma has been the premier source for these gemstones.
Italian Royalty & Jewelry: Burmese rubies have been featured in jewelry designed by Italian houses, such as a Buccellati ring from circa 1940.
Queen Marie José: Marie-José of Belgium, the last Queen of Italy (1851-1926), owned a famous 8.48 ct Burma ruby ring surrounded by diamonds.
Vintage Italian Craftsmanship: Antique and vintage Italian jewelry frequently features Burmese rubies, including a 140-year-old navette ring and an Edwardian-era bracelet.
Modern Trade: High-end Italian jewelers, such as those in Milan, continue to deal in, set, and appraise these stones, which are often sold with gemological reports confirming their origin (e.g., Gioielleria Pennisi).
Characteristics of Burmese Rubies:
"Pigeon's Blood" Red: The most desirable color, which is a deep, vivid red.
Fluorescence: A unique quality, where the stone glows under ultraviolet light.
Rarity and Value: Considered the most expensive and rare colored gemstones, often selling for over $1 million per carat at auction.
Untreated: Top-quality Mogok rubies are often found unheated.
While the U.S. and other countries have periodically enforced bans on importing these gems due to political and ethical concerns in Myanmar, they remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
In Myanmar (March of 1993), rubies are mined from both primary and secondary (alluvial) deposits. At these alluvial workings near Mogok, a series of claims are explored by small groups of independent miners.
Myanmar (Burma) country is also known for Burmese Teak wood and Amber gemstones.
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