Ming Shilu
What is known about Hkonmaing is solely from the Burmese chronicles. The Chinese annals ("Ming Shilu") on the Tai-Shan frontier (present-day southern Yunnan, Kachin State and Shan State) stopped at Hsenwi, and make no mention of Hsipaw. The Burmese chronicles mention Hkonmaing as a supporting figure—albeit an important one—in King Narapati II's reign. According to the chronicles, Hkonmaing (also called Hkonmaing Gyi, lit. "Hkonmaing the elder") was the ruler of the Shan state of Onbaung–Hsipaw, certainly by 1505. Since his eldest son Hkonmaing the younger was born in 1497, he was likely born c. 1480.