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The influence of Indian art is reflected in the art of neighbouring Burma and other countries of Southeast Asia – Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Indonesia. These countries are represented by a relatively small collection. The earliest acquisitions came in the 19th century.
The influence of Indian art is reflected in the art of neighbouring Burma and other countries of Southeast Asia – Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Indonesia. These countries, with the exception of Indonesia, are represented by a relatively small collection, which nevertheless has its informative value. It has been created gradually, like some of the more significant collections, since Vojta Náprstek's lifetime, out of the gifts of his acquaintances and friends. The earliest acquisitions came from the doctor and traveller Vilém Helfer (1810–1840), who brought marble statuettes of the Buddha and terracotta Buddhist votive steles from Myanmar. Joe Hloucha (1881–1957) contributed sculptures in metal, marble and wood to the Myanmar collection. Figure woodcarving is represented by statuettes of a seated Buddha, deities and demons, covered in gold lacquer and decorated with mirrors and coloured glass. The polychrome figure of dancers, monks and courtiers came from decoration of local temples. Silversmithing is represented by vessels covered in finely wrought ornamentation and palace scenes. The collection also holds samples of clothing and textiles, toys and traditional marionettes. Typical examples of excellent craftsmanship are seen in traditional lacquerware made with "true lacquer" – vessels and boxes that held offerings or betel and depict palace scenes or scenes from Buddha's life. The Thai collection contains figures of the Buddha. The Cambodia and Laos collections, which are the smallest in size, contain several metal, clay and wooden sculptures of the Buddha and deities.
