Burma (Myanmar) | Mandalay tradition | ca. 1900 | Carved wood, lacquer, gilding and glass mosaic | H 48 × W 33 cm | 4.8 kg
This richly decorated Burmese Buddha represents Jambupati, the royal manifestation of the Buddha. Instead of a plain monastic robe, the figure appears in elaborate courtly dress, with raised ornament, a decorated headband and coloured and mirrored glass inlay.
The Buddha sits in padmasana and performs bhumisparsha mudra, the earth-touching gesture associated with the moment of enlightenment. The separately inlaid eyes give the face unusual immediacy, while the worn gold surface and deep red lacquer preserve the layered character of Burmese devotional sculpture.
Jambupati and Burmese royal imagery
In the Jambupati tradition, the Buddha assumes the appearance of a universal monarch. The imagery became especially prominent in Burmese art, where royal regalia, elaborate garments and jewel-like decoration were used to express spiritual authority through the visual language of kingship.
Thayo relief and glass mosaic
The raised ornament is formed in thayo, a traditional Burmese lacquer-based relief technique applied over the carved wooden core. Small pieces of green and mirrored glass are set into the decoration to imitate precious stones. Surviving gilding, red lacquer and local losses reveal the sculpture's historic surface rather than a uniform modern finish.
Key details
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Subject: Jambupati Buddha
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Origin: Burma / Myanmar
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Style: Mandalay tradition
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Date: Late 19th–early 20th century, ca. 1900
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Material: Carved wood, lacquer, thayo relief, gilding and glass/mirror mosaic
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Mudra: Bhumisparsha
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Dimensions: H 48 × W 33 cm
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Weight: 4.8 kg
Condition
Age-related wear is visible throughout, including losses to gilding and lacquer, missing or damaged pieces of glass mosaic, shrinkage cracks in the wood and old wear to the underside. The inlaid eyes remain present. These features are documented in the photographs and form part of the object's historic character.
