Antique Burmese Jambupati Buddha with Glass Mosaic, circa 1900

A magnificent and instantly recognisable example of Burmese devotional art: an antique Jambupati Buddha in the classical Mandalay style, made in Burma around 1900. Carved from wood, the figure is finished with deep red lacquer, time-softened gilding and an exceptionally rich arrangement of green and mirrored glass. The separately inlaid eyes lend the face a vivid, almost human presence.

In the Jambupati image, Buddha appears not in a monk’s austere robes but as a universal monarch. This royal manifestation recalls the story in which the proud King Jambupati is brought to insight by the splendour and spiritual authority of the Buddha.

Royal Jambupati attire

The body is clothed in layered court dress. Winged shoulder ornaments, broad cuffs, an ornate belt and a glass-set headband evoke Burmese royal regalia. Repeating scale, flame and floral motifs cover almost the entire surface and continue across the sleeves, shoulders and back.

Thayo technique and glass mosaic

The fine raised relief is worked in thayo, the traditional Burmese lacquer putty used to build ornament over a carved wooden core. Small pieces of green and mirrored glass were set into the decoration to evoke emeralds and diamonds. Their sparkle contrasts beautifully with the softly weathered gold surface.

Iconography and mudra

Buddha sits in padmasana, the lotus posture. His right hand reaches toward the earth in bhumisparsha mudra, marking the moment he called the earth to witness his enlightenment and victory over Mara. The left hand rests palm-up in his lap, symbolising meditation and inner stillness.

Lacquer and gilding

The lobed throne base and underlying layers reveal the characteristic deep red Burmese lacquer, strongly contrasting with the muted, aged gilding. Red accents within the relief add further depth to the ornament.

Date and origin

Burma, present-day Myanmar, Mandalay style, late 19th to early 20th century.

Condition

Authentic antique condition with visible signs of age and use. The gilding and red lacquer show wear and local losses. Several glass mosaic pieces are missing or damaged. The wood has age and shrinkage cracks, including around the base and lower robe. The underside shows old reinforcements and wear. The inlaid eyes are present. All photographs form an integral part of the condition description.

Specifications

• Subject: Jambupati Buddha, the Royal Buddha
• Origin: Burma, present-day Myanmar
• Style: Mandalay style
• Date: late 19th to early 20th century
• Material: carved wood, thayo lacquer relief, gilding and glass/mirror mosaic
• Posture: padmasana with bhumisparsha mudra
• Dimensions: H 48 × W 33 cm
• Weight: 4.8 kg
• SKU: 738

An impressive collector’s piece uniting Burmese religious iconography, royal Mandalay aesthetics and highly decorative lacquer craftsmanship.