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Bronze Buddha with Ivory Eyes

Name: Bronze Buddha with Ivory Eyes
Brand: 1stBuddha
SKU: 202
Price: 28500 EUR
Availability: InStock

AvailabilityIn stock

Only 1 left

SKU

202

A rare Burmese gilt bronze Buddha from the Shan / Ava tradition, 45.5 cm tall, with original ivory inlaid eyes and a deep, centuries-old patina. The figure shows refined casting, traces of early fire-gilding and a fully sealed interior with mineralised filler. An exceptional, authentic piece for advanced collectors of Southeast Asian Buddhist art.

€28,500.00

Valuation Report

Burmese gilt bronze Buddha image from the Shan / Ava tradition, with original ivory inlaid eyes and a sealed sand-based interior showing mineralised corrosion and gilding residues.

Material and technique: fire-gilded bronze (24 kt mercury-amalgam gilding) with natural ivory eye inlays, compact sand and clay filler, layered copper corrosion and long-term patina formation.

Dimensions: height 45.5 cm; sealed cast body with heavy internal filler and original construction details preserved.

Period and region: Myanmar (Burma), Shan / Ava tradition, circa 17th–18th century (c. 1650–1750).

Condition: original gilded surface with deep historic patina, intact ivory inlays, and no clear evidence of modern structural repairs, refilling or artificial ageing. Wear patterns and corrosion fields are consistent with long-term ritual presence.

Examination: assessed with museum-grade analytical methods including daylight inspection, polarized light, UV fluorescence and high-magnification microscopy of both exterior surfaces and internal filler.

1stbuddha retail valuation (guidance): €30 000 – €35 000.

Documentation (HCommons)

Bronze Buddha with Ivory Eyes

In stock

Description

Long Description (sales-ready, 1stbuddha style)

This finely cast Burmese Buddha originates from the Shan / Ava tradition and represents one of the most distinctive sculptural styles of pre-modern Myanmar. Standing 46 cm high and weighing 8.8 kg, the figure has a strong and balanced presence, combining elegant proportions with a solid bronze body and a warm, naturally matured surface. The expression is calm and composed, characterised by long, arched eyebrows, a softly modelled mouth and a serene downward gaze.

The most striking feature is the pair of original ivory inlaid eyes, a detail reserved for higher-quality Burmese images. The ivory inserts show age-consistent structure and colouration, contributing to the depth and realism of the face. These inlays, together with the finely shaped eyelids and subtle modelling of the cheeks, create an unusually lifelike presence typical of early Shan / Ava workmanship.

Traces of original fire-gilding remain along protected areas of the surface. Although the gilding has naturally darkened over time, microscopic examination shows embedded gold particles and the fine granular texture associated with traditional mercury-amalgam gilding. The body is fully sealed and contains a compact mixture of sand, clay and mineralised deposits. These interior characteristics—combined with the weight and the corrosion fields inside—are consistent with long-aged Burmese bronzes that have remained undisturbed for centuries.

The patina displays layered tones of brown, black and red cuprite, with surface textures formed by long-term oxidation rather than modern treatments. Areas of wear on the shoulders, knees and hands indicate handling and devotional use, giving the sculpture an authentic historic character.

This Buddha is an excellent example of 17th–18th century Shan / Ava artistry: refined facial features, compact body shape, strong silhouette and traditional sealed construction. With its ivory inlays, early gilding remnants and stable age-related patina, the sculpture stands out as a high-quality, genuine piece suitable for collectors seeking an authentic Burmese bronze with strong technical and visual presence.