Object Details
Catalogue Note
Dimensions: H 20.5 × W 12.4 cm
Weight: 400 g
Material: Carved wood, lacquer, gilding and glass inlay
Estimated period: 19th century
Origin: Myanmar (Burma)
Style: Mandalay / Ava tradition
Object: Buddha head fragment
An antique Burmese Buddha head fragment in carved wood, preserving lacquer, gilded decoration and coloured mirror-glass inlay. The compact fragment is particularly effective as a cabinet sculpture because the surviving facial modelling remains calm and complete despite the object's fragmentary nature.
Surface & Decoration
The brow band retains green and red glass tesserae alongside aged mirrored elements. Fine painted details survive around the eyes, while the lacquer and gilded surface show the soft wear expected of an older devotional fragment. An earlier catalogue record dates this 20.5 cm Ava-style fragment to the 19th century; the date is retained here as an estimated attribution because the exact parent sculpture and workshop remain unknown.
Condition
Fragmentary antique condition by nature, with wear, losses to decorative surfaces and age-related patina. The surviving glass and lacquer are integral to its historical character.
