Shan Burmese Buddha

Bronze Cast, Engraved & Inscribed Seated Buddha

The Buddha in this image has been cast with the elongated features often seen among Shan Buddha images. The head bends slightly forward, the eyes are half-closed and there is a double row of eyebrows the top row of which join. The nose is prominent and the nostrils pronounced. The lips turn up slightly at the corners. The ears are elongated and are those of a prince, reminding us of the Buddha’s princely origins. The hairstyle is akin to neat rows of peppercorns.

The image wears the simple robes of a monk. They have however been embellished with some decoration – incised on after casting. His right shoulder has been left bare. He sits on a high, tiered throne that is sharply waisted in the middle. Such thrones are characteristic to Burmese and Shan Buddha thrones. The elongated bud-like jewel to the top of the Buddha’s head is also peculiar to Burmese and Shan images and seems to have its origins in seventeenth century representations of the Buddha (Lowry, 1974).

The flattened cartouche at the back of the throne has been incised with an inscription in Shan-Burmese script.

The image is in excellent condition and has a fine golden-brown patina. It was acquired in the UK and no doubt arrived in the UK during the colonial era.

Karow, O., Burmese Buddhist Sculpture: The Johan Moger Collection, White Lotus, 1991.

Lowry, J.,

Burmese Art, Victoria and Albert Museum, 1974.

Somkiart Lopetcharat,

Myanmar Buddha: The Image and its History, Siam International Books Company, 2007.

UK art market