Large Antique | Burmese | Wooden Monk Statue | Circa 19th Century

$1,000.00
$1,000.00
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Large antique Burmese Shan-style Buddha statue with original gilt finish, seated in dhyana mudra on a tiered lotus base. 19th-century Southeast Asian devotional sculpture showing serene expression, aged surface, and traces of red lacquer beneath gold.
Large antique Burmese Shan-style Buddha statue with original gilt finish, seated in dhyana mudra on a tiered lotus base. 19th-century Southeast Asian devotional sculpture showing serene expression, aged surface, and traces of red lacquer beneath gold.
Large antique Burmese Shan-style Buddha statue with original gilt finish, seated in dhyana mudra on a tiered lotus base. 19th-century Southeast Asian devotional sculpture showing serene expression, aged surface, and traces of red lacquer beneath gold.
748550
748550
748550
748550
748550
748550
748550
748550
748550
  • Large antique Burmese Shan-style Buddha statue with original gilt finish, seated in dhyana mudra on a tiered lotus base. 19th-century Southeast Asian devotional sculpture showing serene expression, aged surface, and traces of red lacquer beneath gold.
  • Large antique Burmese Shan-style Buddha statue with original gilt finish, seated in dhyana mudra on a tiered lotus base. 19th-century Southeast Asian devotional sculpture showing serene expression, aged surface, and traces of red lacquer beneath gold.
  • Large antique Burmese Shan-style Buddha statue with original gilt finish, seated in dhyana mudra on a tiered lotus base. 19th-century Southeast Asian devotional sculpture showing serene expression, aged surface, and traces of red lacquer beneath gold.
  • 748550
  • 748550
  • 748550
  • 748550
  • 748550
  • 748550
  • 748550
  • 748550
  • 748550
Large antique Burmese Shan-style Buddha statue with original gilt finish, seated in dhyana mudra on a tiered lotus base. 19th-century Southeast Asian devotional sculpture showing serene expression, aged surface, and traces of red lacquer beneath gold.
Large antique Burmese Shan-style Buddha statue with original gilt finish, seated in dhyana mudra on a tiered lotus base. 19th-century Southeast Asian devotional sculpture showing serene expression, aged surface, and traces of red lacquer beneath gold.
Large antique Burmese Shan-style Buddha statue with original gilt finish, seated in dhyana mudra on a tiered lotus base. 19th-century Southeast Asian devotional sculpture showing serene expression, aged surface, and traces of red lacquer beneath gold.
748550
748550
748550
748550
748550
748550
748550
748550
748550

Large Antique | Burmese | Wooden Monk Statue | Circa 19th Century

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: Burma (present-day Myanmar)
Material: Carved wood with original lacquer and gilt decoration
Period: 19th Century

Description
This finely carved antique Burmese statue depicts a monk or Buddha figure seated in meditation (Dhyana Mudra) atop a lotus-form pedestal. The surface retains traces of deep red lacquer and richly applied gold gilding, now beautifully worn with age to reveal its devotional use. The figure is characterized by a serene expression, subtly elongated ears, and a domed ushnisha at the crown—features typical of Burmese sculpture during the Konbaung Dynasty period. The back of the figure is hollowed, a traditional feature that allowed for ease of movement in temple processions or ritual displays.

Features

- Seated in meditation posture (Dhyana Mudra)

- Rich red lacquer and gilt decoration with natural age wear

- Hollowed back for ceremonial lightness

- Lotus-form base with age-consistent craquelure

- Expressive facial features in traditional Burmese style

Cultural Significance
Figures such as this were created for monasteries and temples, serving both as devotional icons and spiritual teaching tools. The combination of lacquer and gilding reflects the Burmese emphasis on radiance and impermanence, while the calm expression embodies Buddhist virtues of serenity, compassion, and enlightenment.

Condition
Very good antique condition with stable age-related cracks around the base and arm. Minor surface losses to lacquer and gilding consistent with devotional use. Structurally sound. Old museum or collection inventory tag remains attached at the wrist.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 16 in

Age
Circa 19th Century

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Burma (present-day Myanmar)
Material: Carved wood with original lacquer and gilt decoration
Period: 19th Century

Description
This finely carved antique Burmese statue depicts a monk or Buddha figure seated in meditation (Dhyana Mudra) atop a lotus-form pedestal. The surface retains traces of deep red lacquer and richly applied gold gilding, now beautifully worn with age to reveal its devotional use. The figure is characterized by a serene expression, subtly elongated ears, and a domed ushnisha at the crown—features typical of Burmese sculpture during the Konbaung Dynasty period. The back of the figure is hollowed, a traditional feature that allowed for ease of movement in temple processions or ritual displays.

Features

- Seated in meditation posture (Dhyana Mudra)

- Rich red lacquer and gilt decoration with natural age wear

- Hollowed back for ceremonial lightness

- Lotus-form base with age-consistent craquelure

- Expressive facial features in traditional Burmese style

Cultural Significance
Figures such as this were created for monasteries and temples, serving both as devotional icons and spiritual teaching tools. The combination of lacquer and gilding reflects the Burmese emphasis on radiance and impermanence, while the calm expression embodies Buddhist virtues of serenity, compassion, and enlightenment.

Condition
Very good antique condition with stable age-related cracks around the base and arm. Minor surface losses to lacquer and gilding consistent with devotional use. Structurally sound. Old museum or collection inventory tag remains attached at the wrist.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 16 in

Age
Circa 19th Century

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