Lot 196A
Southeast Asia, Burma (Myanmar), Mandalay period, ca. 1860 to 1885 CE. A luminous testament to Burmese Buddhist devotion, this large gilt brass sculpture depicts the historical Buddha Shakyamuni seated in dhyanasana upon a grand double-lotus throne, his hands forming the bhumisparsa mudra - the earth-touching gesture that calls the ground itself to witness the moment of his enlightenment. Still and centered, the figure exudes serenity, with downcast eyes and a subtle, knowing smile, framed by elongated earlobes and crowned by a domed ushnisha - a symbol of cosmic awareness and spiritual elevation. Rendered in the distinctive Mandalay style, the figure wears finely incised monastic robes that drape across the chest and swirl in layered folds over the crossed legs. Gilding clings in radiant traces across the surface, catching light along the shoulders, knees, and brow. The statue is flanked by the two traditional attendants of Burmese iconography - Mogallana and Sariputta - chief disciples of the Buddha, portrayed seated in quiet contemplation at the base of the throne. Size: 15" L x 23" W x 34.5" H (38.1 cm x 58.4 cm x 87.6 cm)
More petite in scale but imbued with dignity, the disciples wear the plain robes of the sangha and serve as devotional anchors that frame the central figure of the Enlightened One.
This sculpture was created during the Mandalay Period (ca. 1860 to 1885 CE), the final flourish of royal patronage in Burmese art. Named after the city of Mandalay, established by King Mindon at the foot of a sacred hill, the period was marked by a resurgence of Buddhist creativity following the isolation of Upper Myanmar from British colonial control. Although the kingdom fell to British forces in 1886, the city remained home to the royal guilds, whose artisans continued to produce refined Buddhist imagery in stone, wood, and bronze. This figure reflects their enduring mastery of balance, line, and sacred iconography.
The inclusion of disciples alongside the Buddha reflects a local Burmese tradition rather than historical literalism. In canonical texts, Shakyamuni's companions had left him at the time of his enlightenment. However, Burmese belief holds that Mogallana and Sariputta carried the teachings of the Buddha into Myanmar during his lifetime - a symbol of Buddhism's early roots in the region. Their presence here is part of a long-standing iconographic convention dating back to the 11th century.
Graceful and imposing, this sculpture captures not only the moment of spiritual triumph under the Bodhi tree, but also the cultural radiance of Mandalay's short-lived yet enduring legacy.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
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#194945
- Condition: A few stable hairline fissures as well as light weathering to surface, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with liberal remains of gilding and light patina throughout.
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