**Originally Listed At $1500**

Southeast Asia, Burma, modern day Myanmar, Mandalay period, ca. 19th century CE. A gorgeous head of a very serene Buddha, made from a marbled white alabaster with painted hair, ears, and facial features. The face has downturned eyes, arched eyebrows, and a large ushnisha atop the head. He also has elongated earlobes. In Burma, alabaster and marble are called sagyin, quarried in a mountain range north of Mandalay. This huge example is a beautiful evocation of the peacefulness of the Buddha, with its creamy tones inspiring meditation. Size: 7.8" W x 12.2" H (19.8 cm x 31 cm); 17.8" H (45.2 cm) on included custom stand.

In Burma (modern Myanmar) Mandalay is regarded as the center of Buddhism, and consequently art flourished in this region and it became known as the center of pure art of Myanmar. The artists employed advanced techniques to create a sophisticated style. This example possesses characteristic traits of the Mandalay Buddha with its oval shaped face, flat temples, human-like facial features, elongated ears that extend all the way to the shoulders symbolizing Buddha's all-hearing powers and wisdom, and painted details using a pigment known as "chad." Mandalay artists appreciated realism, particularly when depicting the Buddha's facial features and elegant posture.

Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010

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#177498

Fragment of a larger piece with losses to proper left ear and tip of ushnisha. A few minor nicks and abrasions to surface, but otherwise excellent with liberal remains of painted detail.