Antique Burmese Teak Mandalay Buddha - 19th Century - 27 cm (Premium Quality)

This authentic Burmese Buddha statue (27 cm) from the late Mandalay period is entirely handcrafted from a single solid block of Burmese teak wood and represents one of the finest examples of traditional temple art. Despite its compact size, the statue possesses a remarkably heavy quality of 1.8 kg. The refined Thayo lacquer decoration, original Hmankazi mirror inlay, and remnants of historical gold leaf give the sculpture a rich, sacred appearance. Thanks to its exceptionally fully finished back, this statue is attractive from all angles and perfectly suited for free-standing presentation.

The Philosophical & Spiritual Significance: Why this statue is essential

This Shakyamuni Buddha depicts the decisive moment of enlightenment and brings a powerful atmosphere of peace, wisdom, and spiritual balance.

• Bhumisparsha Mudra: With his right hand, the Buddha touches the earth as a witness to his enlightenment. This iconic hand gesture symbolizes inner strength, steadfastness, and victory over all temptations.
• Mandalay Style: The refined facial features, elegant posture, and rich ornamentation are among the most beloved characteristics of classical Burmese sculpture.
• Free-standing Presentation: The fully decorated back makes this statue particularly suitable for free placement in a room or display cabinet, allowing it to be admired from every angle.
• Spiritual Centerpiece: Thanks to its harmonious composition and warm appearance, the statue forms an impressive focal point of tranquility within both a meditative space and an exclusive interior.

Material & Craft Analysis

• Monolithic Teak Wood: The sculpture is entirely carved from a single solid block of Burmese teak wood, a durable wood species known for its stability and rich natural structure.
• Fully Decorated Back: The traditional Thayo lacquer relief and original Hmankazi mirror inlay fully extend across the back of the robe, a rare feature found only in high-quality temple commissions.
• Historical Gilding: The natural wear of the original gold leaf locally reveals the dark Thit-si lacquer layer, creating an authentic, time-formed patina.
• Original Temple Construction: The underside is sealed with traditional cinnabar red lacquer and exclusively shows authentic manual tool marks, without modern machine processing or restorations.

Specifications

• Height: 27.0 cm
• Width: 20.5 cm
• Weight: 1.8 kg
• Origin: Myanmar (Burma)
• Period: Late Mandalay period, ca. 1880–1920
• Material: Monolithic Burmese teak wood with Thayo relief paste, Hmankazi mirror mosaic, and remnants of authentic gold leaf
• Iconography: Shakyamuni Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra
• Condition: Excellent authentic temple condition with original patina and fully decorated back