18th C. Burmese Silver Buddha on Lotus Throne

Southeast Asia, Burma, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A remarkable silver statue of Buddha seated in lotus position atop an integral plinth. Dressed in a robe, the tranquil deity is shown with a slender torso and bulbous legs as his right hand holds his right leg and his left rests, cupped in his lap. The Buddha possesses a serene expression, nicely modeled with steadfast eyes, and presents wonderful characteristic details such as a tightly curled coiffure, an ushnisha headdress symbolizing the power of his enlightenment, and elongated ears signifying his renunciation of materialistic wealth. His tri-tiered plinth is adorned in elaborate relief designs with an undulating motif at the top representing the petals of a lotus blower. Note that the bottom of this sculpture is sealed with resin. Religious statues such as this one must be formally consecrated in a ritual known as buddhabhiseka (or "anay gaza tin" in Burmese) in which followers place offerings, such as candles, flowers, incense, flags, or papers with written prayers, inside of the statue and then seal it with wax or resin. Size: 3.25" W x 6.25" H (8.3 cm x 15.9 cm); Silver quality: 95.5%; Weight: 387 grams

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 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 Lake City, Colorado, USA collection

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#163826
Condition Report: Petite fissures on both knees with miniscule amounts of loss. Chips and repairs to periphery of base with light restoration over break lines. Repair to verso with break line visible. Missing proper right ear. Some light softening of detail commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, excellent with rich patina throughout.