Antique Burmese Shan (Tai Yai) Seated Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra | Late 19th–Early 20th Century
Historical Context & Origin
Culture: Burmese (Myanmar), Shan (Tai Yai) Tradition
Material: Carved Hardwood with Lacquer and Gilding
Period: Late 19th to Early 20th Century
Description
This finely carved Burmese Shan-style seated Buddha represents a beautiful example of traditional devotional sculpture from Myanmar. Executed in hardwood and finished with rich lacquer and gilding, the figure is depicted seated in the revered Bhumisparsha Mudra, or the "Earth Witness" gesture, commemorating the moment the Buddha called upon the Earth to witness his enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree.
The sculpture exhibits several characteristics associated with the Shan (Tai Yai) artistic tradition, including its elongated facial features, high arched brows, prominent ushnisha finial, and refined devotional presence. The serene expression and elegant proportions reflect the spiritual aesthetic valued throughout the Shan regions of Myanmar, where Buddhist imagery played a central role in both religious practice and community life.
Traces of original gilding survive throughout the figure, while areas of wear reveal the underlying lacquer layers, producing a highly desirable aged patina accumulated through decades of devotional use and display. Particularly noteworthy is the integral tiered plinth, which bears a handwritten dedicatory inscription. Such inscriptions were often added by donors or temple patrons and provide an important connection to the object's historical and religious significance. The vivid red lacquered base contrasts beautifully with the gilded figure, reflecting traditional Burmese artistic conventions.
Features
- Authentic Burmese Shan (Tai Yai) style Buddha sculpture
- Hand-carved hardwood construction
- Traditional lacquer and gilded finish
- Depicted in the sacred Bhumisparsha Mudra
- Prominent ushnisha finial and refined facial features
- Handwritten dedicatory inscription on the plinth
- Attractive age-related wear revealing underlying lacquer layers
- Rich gold and red traditional Burmese color scheme
Cultural Significance
The Bhumisparsha Mudra is among the most important gestures in Buddhist iconography, symbolizing the Buddha's victory over temptation and attainment of enlightenment. In the Buddhist traditions of Myanmar and the Shan States, images depicting this moment served as powerful devotional objects and reminders of spiritual perseverance. The presence of a dedicatory inscription further enhances the sculpture's cultural value, reflecting the longstanding tradition of commissioning religious images as acts of merit-making and devotion.
Inscription
The rear section of the plinth bears a handwritten inscription. Such inscriptions commonly record dedications, donor information, blessings, or religious invocations associated with the commissioning and veneration of the image. Further study of the inscription may provide additional insight into the sculpture's origin and history.
Condition
Structurally sound overall with age-appropriate wear consistent with devotional use and age. Areas of expected loss to the lacquer and gilded surfaces reveal underlying layers, creating an attractive antique patina. Losses are present to portions of the lower plinth and the finial above the head. Please review photographs carefully for condition details.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 18.9 in
Width: 7.1 in
Depth: 4.5 in
Age (Approximate)
100–150 years old
Provenance
From a private collection in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Formerly part of the renowned Hinchcliff & Lee Oriental Antiques Collection, Ontario, Canada.
Learn More
Learn about the distinctive characteristics of Shan Period Buddha Statues
Discover our Collection of Buddhist and Hindu Relics & Sacred Statues
Historical Context & Origin
Culture: Burmese (Myanmar), Shan (Tai Yai) Tradition
Material: Carved Hardwood with Lacquer and Gilding
Period: Late 19th to Early 20th Century
Description
This finely carved Burmese Shan-style seated Buddha represents a beautiful example of traditional devotional sculpture from Myanmar. Executed in hardwood and finished with rich lacquer and gilding, the figure is depicted seated in the revered Bhumisparsha Mudra, or the "Earth Witness" gesture, commemorating the moment the Buddha called upon the Earth to witness his enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree.
The sculpture exhibits several characteristics associated with the Shan (Tai Yai) artistic tradition, including its elongated facial features, high arched brows, prominent ushnisha finial, and refined devotional presence. The serene expression and elegant proportions reflect the spiritual aesthetic valued throughout the Shan regions of Myanmar, where Buddhist imagery played a central role in both religious practice and community life.
Traces of original gilding survive throughout the figure, while areas of wear reveal the underlying lacquer layers, producing a highly desirable aged patina accumulated through decades of devotional use and display. Particularly noteworthy is the integral tiered plinth, which bears a handwritten dedicatory inscription. Such inscriptions were often added by donors or temple patrons and provide an important connection to the object's historical and religious significance. The vivid red lacquered base contrasts beautifully with the gilded figure, reflecting traditional Burmese artistic conventions.
Features
- Authentic Burmese Shan (Tai Yai) style Buddha sculpture
- Hand-carved hardwood construction
- Traditional lacquer and gilded finish
- Depicted in the sacred Bhumisparsha Mudra
- Prominent ushnisha finial and refined facial features
- Handwritten dedicatory inscription on the plinth
- Attractive age-related wear revealing underlying lacquer layers
- Rich gold and red traditional Burmese color scheme
Cultural Significance
The Bhumisparsha Mudra is among the most important gestures in Buddhist iconography, symbolizing the Buddha's victory over temptation and attainment of enlightenment. In the Buddhist traditions of Myanmar and the Shan States, images depicting this moment served as powerful devotional objects and reminders of spiritual perseverance. The presence of a dedicatory inscription further enhances the sculpture's cultural value, reflecting the longstanding tradition of commissioning religious images as acts of merit-making and devotion.
Inscription
The rear section of the plinth bears a handwritten inscription. Such inscriptions commonly record dedications, donor information, blessings, or religious invocations associated with the commissioning and veneration of the image. Further study of the inscription may provide additional insight into the sculpture's origin and history.
Condition
Structurally sound overall with age-appropriate wear consistent with devotional use and age. Areas of expected loss to the lacquer and gilded surfaces reveal underlying layers, creating an attractive antique patina. Losses are present to portions of the lower plinth and the finial above the head. Please review photographs carefully for condition details.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 18.9 in
Width: 7.1 in
Depth: 4.5 in
Age (Approximate)
100–150 years old
Provenance
From a private collection in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Formerly part of the renowned Hinchcliff & Lee Oriental Antiques Collection, Ontario, Canada.
Learn More
Learn about the distinctive characteristics of Shan Period Buddha Statues
Discover our Collection of Buddhist and Hindu Relics & Sacred Statues
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