Object Details
Catalogue Note
Burma (Myanmar) | Mandalay tradition | Late 19th–early 20th century | Wood, black lacquer, gilding and glass | H 50.5 × W 42.5 cm | 5 kg
This substantial Burmese seated Buddha combines a deep black lacquered surface with worn gilding and small pieces of coloured and mirrored glass. The contrast is particularly effective across the robe, hair and base, where the decoration remains visible despite extensive age-related wear.
The Buddha is seated in virasana. His right hand reaches toward the earth in bhumisparsha mudra, while the left hand rests palm-up in the lap. The lowered eyes, elongated earlobes and high ushnisha give the figure the composed presence associated with late Burmese devotional sculpture.
Mandalay-period decorative tradition
The sculpture belongs to the broad decorative tradition associated with Mandalay and late Konbaung-period workshops. Raised gilded ornament and glass or mirror inlay were used to enliven wooden Buddha images intended for religious interiors. This example is catalogued conservatively as late 19th to early 20th century rather than assigned to a specific workshop.
Historic surface
Microscopic photographs show layers of black lacquer, red ground, worn gilding and glass inlay. The surface is deliberately left legible: areas of abrasion, cracking and loss provide useful information about how the sculpture was made, decorated and used.
Key details
- Subject: Seated Buddha
- Origin: Burma / Myanmar
- Style: Mandalay tradition
- Date: Late 19th–early 20th century
- Material: Carved wood with black lacquer, gilding and glass/mirror inlay
- Mudra: Bhumisparsha
- Dimensions: H 50.5 × W 42.5 cm
- Weight: 5 kg
Condition
Historic shrinkage cracks, open joints, rubbed lacquer, losses to gilding and irregular or missing glass elements are present. These are consistent with an old wooden devotional sculpture and are shown clearly in the detailed condition photographs.
