17/18thC or Earlier Sri Lankan Stupa Turned Bell, 7918

Compelling, large Burmese Buddha. It is unique in many ways.  First, it looks like a specific person (as opposed to a sculpture of a generic figure), which is never ever done when sculpting a Buddha statue.  Second, is it figure looks European. the facial features look European, the body shape and the way the body is sitting look European, and the tunic the figure is wearing looks more European than it looks Asian.  It has a rare and beautiful "lotus" cap finial that I've never seen on a Burmese Buddha(or any Buddha) before. A real mystery. Looks to be at least 18/19thC. Everyone has a strong reaction when they see him-they smile.  Sits a full 19 inches tall-extremely large for this type of bronze. Retains an almost untouched chocolate brown patina.  My gut tells me that at some time during the English occupation in the 18th or early 19th century either had this Buddha specially commissioned, or was given this Buddha as a special gift by either a major Temple or spiritual leader, or by a significant political leader of that time and place. in breaking with long spiritual tradition, they had the person's image and Anglo heritage melded with a  Shan style Buddha...

This may be my all-time favorite of all the SE Asian Buddhas I have ever owned--and that is saying a lot, as I have owned many thousands over a thirty-five-year period. It is a very ...

Material: wood. Measures: 102 cm high. 55 cm wide and 55 cm deep. Weight: 16.1 kgs. Gilded with 24 krt. gold. Originating from Burma. 19th Century. Very special !!

This antique wooden Burmese offering vessel is an exceptional 19th-century artifact, originating from Burma (present-day Myanmar) and crafted in the elegant Shan (Tai Yai) style. Sta...