Showrooms

Large Antique Burmese Carved Marble Buddha Head on Display Stand

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A large life-size statue of Buddha head carved from a single block of white alabaster marble and painted with gold and black pigments. The sculpture was of an iconic Burmese "Shan-style" and dated to late 18th to early 19th century. The "Shan-style" Buddha statue is characterized by the particular bell shape of the ushnisha (Fa-ji; hair bun) the Buddha wears on his head, a serene facial expression with raised eyebrows, downcast eyes and a faint smile on the corner of his lips. Other characteristics include that the head was always rendered smooth without depiction of the hair curls seen in other style, and the earlobes were carved with curved lines resembling conch. The statue retains residues of the gold leaves gilt and polychrome paint on part of his head. It was professionally displayed on a raised custom-made wood stand. the head is approximately 17" high. Very heavy and substantial with wonderful patina and presence.
After the Burmese capital was moved to Ava in 1636 during the Second Empire of the Taungoo dynasty (1551-1752), Buddha images were increasingly made of marble with a smooth finish on the surface and the minimum decoration rendered the image a simple and pure appearance. This style lasted until the Mandalay period (1860) when the style of Buddha image became more ornate.

More Information

Origin:	Myanmar (Burma)
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	marble/alabster wood
Condition:	Good. Antique statue head fragment mounted on stand. Patina and surface wear, minute chips, one on the earlobe as shown. Stand with minor wear.
Creation Date:	19th century
Styles / Movements:	Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Asian/Oriental, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	790406

Dimensions

W.	11 in;	H.	27 in;	D.	12 in;
W.	27.94 cm;	H.	68.58 cm;	D.	30.48 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.