Seeing this piece in full with its distinct white alabaster composition and unique regional styling shifts the feeling toward something deeply ethereal, protective, and culturally distinct.
19C Alabaster Karen Burma Buddha #MS22
CAT NO: MS22
DESCRIPTION: Karen the name of a hill tribe that mostly lives along the Thai-Burmese border .Karen Buddhists are the most numerous of the Karens and account for around 65 percent of the total Karen population.
The Buddhist influence came from the Mon who were dominant in Lower Burma until the middle of the 18th century. Buddhist Karen are found mainly in Kayin State, Mon State, Yangon, Bago and Tanintharyi Region.
There are Buddhist monasteries in most Karen villages, and the monastery is the centre of community life.
Merit-making activities, such as alms giving, are central to Karen Buddhist life.
PERIOD: 19th century
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Burma
CONSTRUCTION: The use of white alabaster gives the Buddha a translucent, almost glowing quality. Unlike heavy bronze or dark wood, the smooth, pale stone makes the figure feel weightless and spiritually pure. The contrast between the pristine white body and the dark, painted lacquer accents on the hair and crown creates a striking visual balance, evoking a feeling of clarity and immaculate peace.
RARITY AND CONDITION: Extremely rare, good condition, some possible cleaning
/ restoration, expected day to day wear (see photos)
"As a piece crafted by or for the Karen people, a hill tribe living along the Thai-Burmese border, the statue carries a profound feeling of grassroots faith. In the Karen Buddhist tradition, the village monastery is the absolute center of community life. Looking at this statue evokes the feeling of shared warmth, merit-making, and quiet village devotion, carrying the collective energy of centuries of almsgiving and daily prayers."
HEIGHT IN INCHES: 31.5"(80CM)
WIDTH / LENGTH: 8.7"(22CM)
WEIGHT IN KILOS: 34klg.
PROVENANCE: From the sale of a private estate in Burma
EVALUATION APPRAISAL: The gentle, soft features carved into the alabaster face reflect the historical influence of the Mon people, who were dominant in Lower Burma until the 18th century. It marries the high artistry of Burmese Buddhist traditions with the intimate, soulful spirit of regional tribal devotion.A valuable addition to any serious collection.Fantastic piece with great spiritual presence.
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