Antique Shan Buddha in Earth Witnessing Posture, Burma (3160)

Description

This outstanding Burmese Shan (Tai Yai) Shakyamuni Buddha sits in Earth Witnessing position (bhumisparsha), one of the most frequently portrayed postures in Southeast Asian Theravada Buddhism. His right hand reaches over his knee to touch the earth symbolizing the moment the Buddha defeated the temptations of Mara and called upon the earth to witness his enlightenment.

The carving shows many of the Buddha’s 32 “auspicious marks” (Lakshanas) including golden skin; elongated body, face, arms, ears and hands with fingers of equal length, 3 creases at the neck, and a cranial protuberance (ushnisha or “wisdom bump”) atop the head.

Eastern Myanmar Shan art is distinctly different from other regional traditions of the period. This gilt  and lacquer wood statue is a classic representation of 19th century Shan Buddhist art. Characterized by serene and stylized proportions, Shan images have high, arched eyebrows that meet above a prominent nose, almond-shaped down cast eyes in contemplation, thick lips in an enigmatic smile, and curved earlobes with incised spirals that flare out to his shoulders, a symbol of royal origins and divine wisdom, prominent snail shaped hair curls, a narrow fillet band at the hairline, and a flame-like finial rising from the ushnishas mirroring the architecture of regional stupas that symbolizes the flames of Buddhism. Replacing simple monk’s attire, his monastic robe is elegantly embellished with green enamel on his sash, sleeve, border and hairline which drapes over the shoulders to the back.  He sits on a high multi-tiered lotus pedestal covered with an elaborately carved ceremonial cloth as a sign of respect.

AI Comments Summary

AI rates this piece as  having Mid to High Collectors Value for the following reasons:

Its exceptionally large size and decorative details, including the sash draped over the shoulder and back, making it viewable in the round indicate it was made to be viewed from all sides and was likely commissioned for use in a temple. The traditional red lacquer surface which is overlaid with genuine gold leaf shows natural flaking and wear – a key indicator of authentic age. Centuries of ritual handling, environmental exposure, and lacquer contraction have gently worn the outermost gold gilding revealing a magnificent, layered patina. It is structurally in excellent condition with the tall, slender flame finial intact and unbroken, which is rare for antique wood carvings.