Lot 103B
Asian Art. Southeast Asia, Burma, Ava kingdom, ca. 1364 to 1752 CE. An expertly carved wood Burmese Buddha seated in full lotus position atop a lotus throne with hands in a Bhumisparsa mudra, embellished with red pigment known as Chad and glimmering gold gilt, in a style that developed following the suppression of Buddhism in India resulting in less contact between the two countries. Hence, Indian influences of Pagan period sharper, leaner figures were replaced with a generally rounder, softer look. Size: 13.5" L x 8.5" W x 24" H (34.3 cm x 21.6 cm x 61 cm)
This Buddha presents traits characteristic of the Ava period including a broad forehead, rounded oval shaped face, eyes gazing downwards in a state of meditation, straight, low nose bridge, flattened, nearly invisible curls, and a shorter neck replacing the slender, more severe Pagan look. Buddha's lotus position is emphasized with the soles of his feet streamlined into a slab-like shape, and Buddha wears a plain flap across the shoulder, which is also characteristic of Ava period Buddhas.
Pertaining to the Ava period as well, this Buddha displays the Calling Earth to Witness mudra, also known as Subduing Mara or Bhumisparsa representing the moment just prior to enlightenment, with the Buddha sitting in meditation, his left hand in his lap with palm upright, and his right hand palm downward touching the earth. From this moment onwards in Burma, this earth touching mudra became the favored depiction. The story behind this mudra is as follows: At the moment just before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment, the demon Mara viciously attacked him with his troops of monsters attempting to scare him away from his seat under the Bodhi tree. However, the Buddha-to-be remained. Mara claimed that his spiritual deeds were greater than Siddhartha's challenging the Buddha-to-be. Then Siddhartha extended his right hand to touch the earth, Mara disappeared, and Siddhartha achieved enlightenment.
Provenance: Ex-Private Arizona collection; purchase at River City Antiques in March 2000.
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#119002
- Condition: Surface wear with losses to gilding and red pigment lacquer as shown. Some age cracks as shown. Abrasions/losses, particularly to lotus base.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |