19th Century, Antique Burmese Alabaster Marble Buddha with Original Inlay Glass

Antique Burmese alabaster Buddha sitting in Mara Vijaya (calling the earth to witness) posture on a base, with inlay of colorful glass pieces on the headband. Age: Burma, Mandalay P...

Antique Burmese alabaster Buddha sitting in Mara Vijaya (calling the earth to witness) posture on a base, with inlay of colorful glass pieces on the headband. Age: Burma, Mandalay P...

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...

Prince Gautama Siddhartha was the son of Mayadevi and Suddhodana, king of the Sakya of Kapilavastu. At court, young Siddhartha led a joyful and carefree life, married Yasodhara and h...