Southeast Asia, Burma, Mandalay Period, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful cast-brass seated depiction of the Buddha, seated in full lotus position with hands making the Bhumisparsha mudra, the "earth witness" gesture, one of the most iconic poses of Buddhism! His left palm is open in his lap and his right hand reaches down to touch the earth. He is dressed in a kasaya robe, here portrayed in a lifelike and flowing manner, and draped across his left shoulder. This Buddha's face is characteristically kind and gentle, with inlaid glass eyes with white and black pupils, gazing downwards that add a lifelike quality to his serene visage. He wears his hair in tightly curled hair nodes gathered into a topknot. The dark patina and fine artistry of this Buddha lends a wonderful energy to this devotional statue. The underside reveals the hollow casting technique, and much of the interior cavity is filled with stucco or stone material from where the building or architectural element this beautiful statue once rested. Size: 11" W x 14.5" H (27.9 cm x 36.8 cm)

Mandalay art emphasized realism, with the Buddha given a slender body and detailed clothing; it also is known for its the broad rim framing the face under the hair, which is clear here. The pedestal is low; these figures were made originally to be placed in the center of decorative niches and/or archways, giving the appearance of a throne. This placement would symbolize that Buddha was the Chakravatin, the emperor of the universe. The Bhumisparsha mudra symbolizes the Buddha's moment of his awakening, as he defeated the demon Mara, and claimed the earth as his witness to his enlightenment.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private New Jersey, USA collection

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#164559

Small loss to rim on verso of base, otherwise intact and very good. Minor surface abrasions and scratches as expected with age and weathering. Details are very clear and nice patina on the surface. Interior cavity contains original stucco/stone material the statue was originally mounted on.