18th C. Burmese Gilded Wood and Stone Buddha

About Auction

Live

Ancient | Near-Eastern | Asian Art

By Artemis Gallery

Jul 1, 2020

Set Reminder 2020-07-01 10:00:00 2020-07-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Ancient | Near-Eastern | Asian Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/ancient-near-eastern-asian-art-5276
Ancient art from Egypt, Greece, Italy and the Near East, as well as Asian, Fossils, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal / Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Russian Icons, Fine art, much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

View Full Catalog (389)

• Lot Description
  Southeast Asia, Northeast Burma (modern day Myanmar), ca. 18th century CE. A gilded, hand-carved wooden Burmese Buddha statue, also elaborately adorned with red, green, and colorless glass inlays arranged in rosettes and beaded flourishes, seated in a classic meditative pose with legs crossed and hands displaying the Bhumisparsha mudra atop an integral throne that is similarly embellished gilt and glass inlays. The Buddha possesses a tranquil expression, nicely modeled and painted with steadfast eyes and presents wonderful characteristic details such as a narrow band on the forehead, a rounded ushnisha symbolizing the power of his enlightenment, and elongated ears signifying his renunciation of materialistic wealth. Size: 9.5" W x 13.8" H (24.1 cm x 35.1 cm); 15.9" H (40.4 cm) on included custom stand.
  
  One interpretation of the Buddha's long ears: When Buddha was a prince, he wore heavy ear jewelry. Once he became an ascetic, Prince Gautama renounced all materialistic wealth but his ears remained stretched. Another interpretation is that these long ears symbolize compassion, for the enlightened one can hear the cries of suffering throughout the world.
  
  Buddhas can display various mudras (hand gestures/poses) that represent historical moments in Buddha's life, forms of meditation, or a symbolic combination of both. This Buddha displays the Bhumisparsha (earth touching) mudra, with the right hand (with red painted fingernails) placed over the right knee, palm inward, reaching towards his lotus throne and beyond this, the earth. He places his left hand in his lap with the palm upwards toward the celestial realm. This mudra represents the moment of his awakening, as Buddha defeated the demon Mara, and claimed the earth as his witness to his enlightenment. An impressive example of Buddhist visual culture, replete with immense artistry and numerous layers of meaning. A breathtaking symbol of peace, representing wisdom, balance, generosity, and compassion.
  
  Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, started in the 1980s
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  #155873

  Condition

  Repairs to head, both hands, and both arms at elbows, with minute chips and earthen material around break lines. Chips and minute losses to areas of armor and some inlaid stones, with fading to facial pigmentation, and encrustations across body and plinth. Great patina and remains of gilding throughout.
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

• Buyer's Premium
  • 26.50 %