"Time has only added to the beauty of this piece the Buddha's face is a portrait of pure tranquility.
The weathered, touching of gold leaf across the brow and cheeks highlights the soft contours of its calm expression, offering a stunning contrast against the dark wood beneath."
The combination of the dark wood or lacquer showing through the wearing gold creates a "patina"
that underscores its 19th-century antiquity.
"An exceptionally tall 19th-century Shan Burmese wooden Buddha,
masterfully elevated on a high, multi-tiered waisted pedestal.
The dramatic height of the throne is accentuated by intricate traditional Burmese glass mosaic work, featuring inset segments of antique mirrored glass that create a shimmering,
reflective surface beneath the serene figure."
CAT NO:BB333
DESCRIPTION: Mudra (Hand Gesture): Bhumisparsa mudra (Earth Witness gesture). This is depicted by the Buddha sitting with his right hand reaching down over the knee toward the ground and the left hand resting flat in his lap. It represents the historical moment the Buddha called upon the earth goddess to witness his past good deeds and spiritual worthiness right before achieving enlightenment, successfully defeating the temptations of the demon Mara.
Posture: Vajrasana (Lotus position). The Buddha is seated with his legs crossed tightly at the ankles, symbolizing stability and deep meditation.
PERIOD:19th century
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:Shan , Burma
CONSTRUCTION:Wood
"The face of the Buddha radiates a profound, meditative serenity, characterized by a soft,
downcast gaze that evokes absolute calm.
The surface is beautifully enhanced by traces of original gold gilding, which catches the light to reveal the sculpture's historic warmth and timeless aesthetic beauty."
RARITY AND CONDITION: Extremely rare, good condition, some possible cleaning
/ restoration,
expected day to day wear (see photos)
HEIGHT IN INCHES:43"
WIDTH / LENGTH: 10.5"
WEIGHT IN KILOS: Over 30klg.
"Seated Shan Buddha in Bhumisparsa mudra, 19th century. Carved wood with traces of gilding, supported by a high, stepped throne decorated with traditional antique mirror-glass mosaic inlay."
PROVENANCE: Acquired from a Burmese collector
EVALUATION APPRAISAL: A valuable addition to any serious collection
Waisted Throne / Pedestal: If the base narrows in the middle and flares out at the top and bottom (common in Shan styles), it is referred to as a "waisted pedestal" or an "hourglass throne." Tiered / Stepped Base: If the base rises high in a series of layers or steps, it is called a "high tiered pedestal" or a "multi-tiered throne." Alternative phrasing: "The figure is elevated upon a high, multi-tiered waisted throne, which emphasizes the monumental height and spiritual presence of the sculpture."
The technique of decorating the base with pieces of old glass or mirrors is highly characteristic of Burmese Buddhist art. In professional antique descriptions, this is called: Thayo Lacquer and Glass Mosaic (Hman-zi Shwe-cha): This is the traditional Burmese term for the technique where a molded lacquer paste (thayo) is used to secure pieces of colored glass or mirrored glass (hman-zi) to the wood, which is then often gilded with gold leaf. Alternative phrasing: "The statue features a stepped pedestal ornately inlaid with antique mirror glass mosaic fragments, a classic Burmese decorative technique designed to catch light and symbolize divine radiance."
"This striking piece achieves its commanding 43-inch height largely through its magnificent, elevated base. The high-set throne is adorned with a vintage glass-mosaic overlay, catching the light to highlight the contrast between the heavily decorated pedestal and the smooth, meditative lines of the wooden Buddha above."
Price: US$5,000.00
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