Southeast Asia, Burma, Ava Period, ca. 16th to 17th centuries CE. A cast bronze, gilded sculpture depicting Buddhist themes in the instantly-recognizable Ava style, which is so different from other southeast Asian Buddhist art. A group of five bronze attendants stand beside the finger-like branches and trunk of a Bodhi tree, the Tree of Enlightenment where Siddhartha Gautama had his revelations that led to him becoming Buddha. The attendants are all tall and thin, with different headdresses/crowns, with simple facial features. This style lacks the ornate decoration of those from, for example, Thailand. The Ava period was a time of transition in Burmese society, when artisans began to experiment with their own styles of Buddhist art, moving away from the Indian inspiration they had previously adhered to. Size: 3.55" L x 3.3" W x 4.55" H (9 cm x 8.4 cm x 11.6 cm)

Provenance: private Munson collection, San Diego, California, USA

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#126185

Slight bending to form. Two of the standing figures (the two in center) have been reattached. Limited gilding remains. Light encrustation on surface, especially on underside.