Lot 587
Huge Antique Burmese Gilt Lacquer Buddha Mandalay Style
Huge Antique Burmese Gilt Lacquer Buddha Mandalay Style
Starting Bid: $3,000
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Southeast Asia, Burma (Myanmar)., ca. 1766 - 1899 CE. An astounding gilt lacquer Buddha of monumental scale adorned with intricate relief designs as well as inlays of red, green, and white glass and lustrous mirrors, all crowned by a towering wooden finial atop his ushnisha. Depicted in the Mandalay style, the deity is seated in vajrasana, with his right hand gesturing to the earth in the bhumisparsa mudra position. Probably the most characteristic form of religious sculpture in Burma, this posture is known as "calling earth to witness" and represents the moment when the Buddha was seated in meditation under the Bodhi tree during the evening before his enlightenment. Mara asked him to name anyone who would give evidence that he had given alms, and the Buddha motioned to the earth with his right hand and said that the earth would bear witness to that - in a previous incarnation when he was known as Vessantara, he had given alms to such an extent that the earth had begun to quake. Size: 24" L x 36" W x 59" H (61 cm x 91.4 cm x 149.9 cm)
Here, the tranquil Buddha is shown traditionally with downcast eyes, pendulous earlobes, and a gentle smile, yet clad quite resplendently, embellished in elaborate detail and glistening glass and mirror inlays that, when combined with his gleaming gilding, grants him a holy, almost ethereal aura. A marvelous example, all sitting upon a lovely, lacquered wood stand.
The dry lacquer sculpture technique was created in China and spread to Southeast Asia; it is somewhat similar to papier mache. In this method, a clay core is shaped, covered with ash and water wash, and layered with cloth strips saturated in a mixture of lacquer sap and sawdust. After molding and shaping, and drying, the inner clay core is removed, and the resulting statue is then coated with lacquer and pigments to seal the surface. Thayo (lacquer putty) details, such as the hair and the ruffles of the robes, were also molded and attached and inlaid pieces of glass and carved wooden elements, such as the finial, were then added. Finally, the sculpture was gilded to give it a breath-taking presentation. For a gilt lacquer Buddha of similar scale, see the British Museum, museum number 1826,0211.1.
Please note that this item is heavy/oversized. Please inquire about shipping prior to bidding.
Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection 2025, ex Artemis Gallery, Louisville, CO; ex Barry collection, Bali, Indonesia
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Item #
202520
- Condition: Wood finial is removable and has been professionally repaired with break line visible. Body also has profession repair with restoration over break lines and some areas of touching up to gilding, only noticeable under ultraviolet light. Chipping, losses, and professional repair to some inlays. Stable fissures to lacquer in areas and expected surface wear as shown. Otherwise, very nice presentation with impressively preserved details. Remarkable remaining gilding and inlays.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $749 | $25 |
| $750 | $1,499 | $50 |
| $1,500 | $2,999 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $7,499 | $250 |
| $7,500 | $14,999 | $500 |
| $15,000 + | $1,000 |