Southeast Asia, Burma (Myanmar), Shan States, Shan culture, Ava Style period, ca. 1364 to 1752 CE. Characteristic of Shan Buddhas, this bronze figure is seated in Vajrasana with hands in Bhumisparsha mudra which translates as the earth touching gesture.  Buddhas with this mudra are commonly known as the "earth-witness" Buddhas. Size: 5"H x 2-1/8" wide at widest point.

Southeast Asia, Burma (Myenmar), Shan States, Shan culture, Theraveda period, Ava sub style, ca. 1364 to 1752 CE. Paired with the seated bronze Buddha, we have an elegant bronze cast cup with handsome green patina, also from ancient Burma (presently Myanmar). A lovely example!  Size: 4-1/2" diameter x 2-3/8" high.

In Buddha statues with the Bhumisparshamudra, the Buddha, more specifically, the historical Shakyamuni Buddha is depicted seated with his right hand as a pendant over the right knee reaching toward the ground with the palm inward while touching the lotus throne.  The left hand is shown with the palm upright in his lap, a gesture that represents the precise moment of the Buddha's awakening as he claims the earth as the witness of his enlightenment. According to Buddhist thought, just before Siddhartha realized enlightenment, the demon Mara tried to frighten him with armies of demons and monsters including his daughters who tried to tempt him to get out of meditation under the Bodhi tree.  At this moment the demon king Mara claimed the throne of enlightenment for himself, and his demon army claimed to be the witness for Mara's enlightenment. Mara then challenged Siddhartha about the witness. In response, the former prince reached out his right hand to touch the earth, as the earth itself roared "I bear you the witness!" When the demon king heard the roar from the earth, the demon king evanesced, and as the legend goes, the Buddha, the one who is awakened, made his first appearance. And so according to Buddhist belief, the Bhumisparshamudra, or "the earth witness" mudra commemorates the Buddha's victory over the temptation by the demon King Mara.

Southeast Asia, Burma (Myenmar), Shan States, Shan culture, Theraveda period, Ava sub style, ca. 1364 to 1752 CE. Paired with the seated bronze Buddha, we have an elegant bronze cast cup with handsome green patina, also from ancient Burma (presently Myanmar). A lovely example!  Size: 4-1/2" diameter x 2-3/8" high.

Provenance: Ex-private Pickard collection, Oklahoma City, OK, Mr. Pickard began his collection in 1959 following his university studies; Walter Seifried, I-Bead Antique & Ancient Art, Cincinnati and Santa Fe.

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#101592

Both show surface wear, oxidation, and encrustation.  Overall fair to good condition.