Physical Dimensions & Status
Height: 50.5 cm | Width: 40.5 cm | Weight: 5.4 kg
This monumental Burmese Buddha statue (50.5 cm) from the late Konbaung dynasty is an exceptional example of the early Mandalay style. The sculpture is entirely hand-carved from a single solid block of Burmese teak wood and boasts an impressive width of 40.5 cm, giving the statue a powerful and stable appearance. The combination of refined wood carving, original Thayo lacquer decoration, Hmankazi mirror inlay, and beautifully aged gilding makes this a museum-worthy collector's item that radiates both spiritual depth and exceptional craftsmanship.
The Philosophical & Spiritual Significance: Why this statue is essential
This Shakyamuni Buddha depicts the decisive moment when enlightenment was achieved and symbolizes the triumph of wisdom over all worldly temptations.
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Bhumisparsha Mudra: With his right hand, the Buddha touches the earth as a witness to his enlightenment. This iconic hand gesture represents steadfastness, truth, and the definitive victory over Mara, the personification of ignorance and desire.
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Wide Meditative Posture: The powerful, stable sitting posture emphasizes inner peace, spiritual balance, and complete mastery of body and mind.
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Mandalay Aesthetic: The harmonious facial features, refined body proportions, and rich ornamentation are among the most beloved characteristics of classical Burmese temple art.
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Spiritual Presence: Thanks to its monumental size, this statue forms an impressive centerpiece within a meditation space, exclusive interior, or high-quality Asian art collection.
Material & Craftsmanship Analysis
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Monolithic Teak Wood: The sculpture is entirely carved from a single solid block of Burmese teak wood, a durable wood known for its exceptional stability and rich grain structure.
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Thayo & Hmankazi: The robe is richly decorated with traditional Thayo lacquer relief and inlaid with original Hmankazi mirror tesserae, a hallmark of high-quality Burmese temple art.
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Original Gilding: Remnants of historical gold leaf and the authentic lacquer layers give the statue a warm, age-old appearance with a beautifully nuanced patina.
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Traditional Construction: The professionally hollowed-out underside reduces tension in the massive wood and exclusively shows authentic manual gouge and chisel marks. The historical collection designation "B.U. 020" on the back refers to a former European private collection.
Specifications
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Height: 50.5 cm
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Width: 40.5 cm
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Weight: 5.4 kg
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Origin: Myanmar (Burma)
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Period: Late Konbaung Dynasty / Early Mandalay Period (c. 1880–1900)
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Material: Monolithic Burmese teak wood with Thayo relief, Hmankazi mirror glass, and remnants of gold leaf
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Iconography: Shakyamuni Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra
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Condition: Excellent authentic museum quality with original gilding, historical lacquer layers, and rich use patina