Early 19th Century, Antique Tai Yai Burmese Wooden Seated Buddha

Antique Tai Yai Burmese wooden Buddha sitting in Mara Vijaya (calling the earth to witness) posture on a base with gilded gold and glass. Tai Yai is a group of tribal people living ...

Antique Tai Yai Burmese wooden Buddha sitting in Mara Vijaya (calling the earth to witness) posture on a base with gilded gold and glass. Age: Burma, Shan Period, 18th Century Size:...

Burmese wooden disciple seated on a base, with gilded gold and inlay of colorful glass pieces on the borders of the robe. Age: Burmese, 19th century Size:...

Burmese wooden Buddha sitting in Mara Vijaya (calling the earth to witness) posture on a base, with gilded gold and glass. Age: Burma, Early Mandalay Period, Early 19th century. ...

18th century seated gilt bronze buddha. 5.5 inches height. Very good condition.

Thai wooden Buddha head, carved with polychrome traces, 19th century part of a standing Buddha decorated with glass elements.

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...

Antique Shan (Tai Yai) Jambupati Buddha Image, wood, lacquer and gold leaf, Konbaung Empire (1752-1885) A crowned style that displays Northern Thai iconography merged with the aesthetic of Burmese rule in the region. The figure is depicted in the popular Theravada seated position of padmasana, (interlocking legs position) and the hand mudra in bhumisparsa (earth touching) wherein the feet are souls  up, the fingers of the right hand extend beyond the right shin and the left hand palm up resting above the lap. Remnants of the leaf-like kirita crown remain.  The image is dressed in Burmese royal costume with thayo rolled lacquer relief decoration modeled into cuffs, epaulettes, knee pads and a detailed “U” shaped necklace covering the chest. There is also a lappet of clothing between the legs draping down toward the base. The figure is seated upon a tall and waisted throne pedestal having rows of lotus petal grooves on the diagonal portions . The  base and body are carved from one solid piece of hard wood. All covered in black lacquer with thayo lacquer details, red pigment for the lips and gold leaf overall. The Jambupati style Buddha illustrates the tale of the Buddha’s life when he came across the arrogant King Jambupati, a king who terrorized his subjects and who lacked humility and compassion for his people. The Buddha on meeting the King asked that he forsake his evil ways and instead practice kindness to his fellow man. Ignoring the Buddha’s request, the King continued to terrorize the people. The Buddha then in his efforts to change the King of his evil ways, one day magically appeared to him in resplendent royal attire. King Jambupati was in awe of the Buddha’s appearance prostrated himself in obeisance and from that day onward accepted the Buddhist precepts. In Southeast Asian countries like Burma, where rulers have very high if not semi-divine status, tales of this type, reinforced the need for the leader to worship the Buddha, the King of Kings. Condition: Heavy deterioration of the underside of the base as well as the interior portion of the crown, other losses include crown flanges, the crown spire, earrings, the tip of the left thumb, one base corner edge, rolled lacquer losses and general wear of the gold leaf surface, all commensurate with age and wear. Measuring: 22.25 in. high x 8.75 in. wide x 7.75 in. deep(56.5cm x 22.2cm x 29.7cm). Weight: 10.8 lbs. Age: Late 18th century. Provenance: Lark...