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Burmese Arakan Lacquered and Gilt Bronze Healing Buddha, 18th Century

About the Item

An unusual 18th century Burmese Arakan style red lacquered and richly gilt cast bronze figure of the Crowned Medicine Buddha, commonly referred to as Bhaishajyaguru. The Supreme Healer is portrayed seated in vajrasana (full lotus position) upon a throne of nine elephants, symbolizing the practice of samatha, or calming the mind (mindfulness) - specifically the nine stages of calm abiding. The hand in his lap holds a jar of healing salve. His other hand rests gently on his knee in varada mudra, the gesture of wish fulfilling, offering a myrobalan seed, a fruit said to be capable of healing emotional ills. The Healing Buddha is dressed in royal attire, featuring an elaborate crown, large earrings, and a bejeweled breastplate. Generally crowned Buddhas are referred to as Jambupati, in reference to the legend of the Buddha converting the evil King Jambupati and his kingdom by transforming his humble monks robes into resplendent kingly garb in the blink of an eye, and further cementing the Buddha's dominion over both the spiritual and temporal realms. Theravada Buddhism does not have a Medicine Buddha practice, though it is generally accepted that this form seems was transmitted through the pilgrimage routes form Tibet, and is interpreted as the historical Buddha Shakyamuni as the Supreme Healer of all ills - mental, physical, and spiritual. The sculpture appears to have been re-lacquered and re-gilded in the early 20th century.

Dimensions:

Height: 18.25 in (46.36 cm)Width: 10 in (25.4 cm)Depth: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Bronze,Cast,Gilt,Lacquered

Place of Origin:

Myanmar

Period:

Mid-18th Century

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1750

Condition:

Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Re-lacquered and gilt in the early 20th century. Some small areas of lacquer loss revealing the richly patinated bronze beneath.

Seller Location:

Austin, TX

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU89478577713

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