Antique 19th Century Burmese Shan Gold Lacquer Buddha

Ca. 19th century Burmese Buddha Head fragment, from the Shan statues. The Buddha is modeled in traditional 'Ava' style - hollow and made of dry lacquer. 

This Burmese technique is called 'Thayo', which is a type of relief-moulded lacquer. 

The head is sensitively rendered with a softly contoured face and serene contemplative expression, with arched eyebrows bowed high towards the forehead, set above heavy-lidded eyes, a narrow well-shaped nose, bow-shaped lips with an insipid smile, and prominent elongated ears. The head is covered in thorn-like hair curls, surmounted by a domed 'Ushnisha', rising to a stylized lotus bud finial. This 'Kecil' (pinnacle) is carved from teak wood. His earlobes are stretched long from a youth spent as a prince wearing heavy gold earrings.

The surface has a beautifully aged gilded gold patina. The Buddha is mounted on a metal and wood base (later). 

For it's age and delicacy the sculpture is in excellent condition.Â

Provenance: Private UK collection

Medium: Lacquerware

Dimensions: 37cm / 15”

General Condition: Good condition. Consistent with age.

SCWO560