Object Details
Catalogue Note
Dimensions: H 95.5 × W 61 cm
Weight: 32 kg
Material: Carved hardwood with lacquer, gilt decoration, glass/mirror and shell inlay
Origin: Burma / Myanmar
Period: 20th century
A monumental Burmese Buddha in Shan style, seated above an unusual throne decorated with three elephants. The figure is carved from dense hardwood and retains shell-inlaid eyes, dark lacquer, gilt decoration and areas of glass or mirror embellishment.
The sculpture has a long material history: shrinkage cracks and older structural repairs are visible, together with later surface retouching in areas. These interventions are part of the object's condition and are described rather than concealed.
Condition
Stable display condition with old repairs, shrinkage cracks, wear, lacquer loss and historic retouching consistent with its size and age.
Iconography and Context
The composed posture and restrained expression belong to the visual language of Buddhist devotional sculpture. Balance, stillness and clearly readable gestures allow the image to function both as a sacred object and as a focused sculptural presence.
Condition and Display
The carved carved hardwood with lacquer, gilt decoration, glass/mirror and shell inlay retains visible grain, tool-work and naturally varied colour. The 22 photographs document the carving, profiles, reverse and age-related surface character as part of the condition assessment.
