Contemporary Bronze Earth Witnessing Buddha, Burma/Myanmar (3553)

Description

A statue or painting of Buddha is called in Sanskrit Buddharupa meaning “the form of an Enlightened One.” This bronzel statue is the historical Buddha in Earth Witnessing mudra (bhumisparsha in Sanskrit) which shows his inner strength at the moment of  enlightenment. It is one of the most common poses used for Burmese Buddhas.

This high-quality mid-century (circa 1950–1970) replica of a Burmese Mandalay-style Buddha is an excellent example of mid-century Burmese revival art. The piece is structurally pleasing with clean aesthetic lines. This bronze alloy sculpture was made using lost-wax casting with a hollowed-out cavity. The smooth, highly uniform, dark patina across its surface with few pitting marks or air-bubble casting flaws, indicates it was made in a highly skilled mid-century foundry.

He sits is the most traditional poses of the historical Shakyamuni Buddha sits in Bhumisparsha Mudra (the “Earth-Touching” or “Earth Witness” gesture). extends his right hand with elongated even-lengthened fingers to touch the earth. His legs are in padmasana, exposed soles atop the opposing knees. In renowned Mandalay style, his soft youthfully sweet face with smiling lips is framed by a filet headband separating his forehead from the hair. His pendulous ears signifying his enlightenment extend to his shoulders, and three rings at the neck indicate the three states of existence. His almond-shaped eyes are inlaid with glass as he calmly gazes downward under arched eyebrows that meet at the bridge of his nose. Many of the 32 lakshanas, the auspicious traits of the Buddha, are displayed: upright body; well-formed nose; fine hair with snail-crowned curls (shwebo thorns); slightly elongated body, face, arms, fingers, and hands; well-rounded shoulders with soft skin, and the gently curved protuberance on the top of the head (ushnisha) said to have originated as a knot of hair that shows his princely origins and is the mark of a superior being. He wears simple Theravada two-part monks-robes in “open mode” with the right shoulder bare, the outer robe (sanghati) flowing over his shoulder with gentle folds.  The bottom garment flares out elegantly with beautiful folds as he sits on an undecorated pedestal.

Made in the 20th century using the lost wax process this metalwork piece is a beautiful contemporary work of art and is in excellent condition.