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Large Mandalay Standing Buddha with Original Inlaid Eyes (Burma, 19th Century)

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411

A monumental 19th-century Mandalay standing Buddha from Burma, carved on an exceptional scale at 193 cm in height. The sculpture retains its original inlaid eyes and richly decorated robes, with the characteristic black-and-gold Mandalay palette. Created for temple display, this rare wooden figure combines devotional presence with refined craftsmanship, making it an impressive centrepiece for any collection.

€9,500.00

Estimated value: €10,000 – €14,000

This standing wooden Buddha from Mandalay, Burma, has been assessed as an authentic late-19th-century temple sculpture with original glass inlay and surviving gilded decoration. The valuation reflects its exceptional height, intact structure, historical surface, and rarity within the international market for Burmese devotional sculpture.

Material: carved hardwood with lacquer, gilding and glass inlay
Technique: traditional Mandalay-period woodcarving with applied lacquer and inset glass stones
Size: 193 cm high (see product page for full dimensions)
Period: late 19th century, Mandalay period
Region: Mandalay, Burma (Myanmar)
Condition: structurally stable, naturally aged lacquer, original inlay with age-consistent losses, no intrusive modern restoration observed

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Large Mandalay Standing Buddha with Original Inlaid Eyes (Burma, 19th Century)

In stock

Description

This extraordinary Mandalay standing Buddha represents one of the most striking forms of Burmese Buddhist sculpture from the 19th century. Carved from hardwood and reaching an impressive height of 193 cm, it belongs to the class of monumental devotional figures made for temples, monasteries and large interior shrines. Works of this scale were not produced for private households; they were created to embody spiritual presence within communal sacred spaces.

The Buddha stands in a graceful, serene posture, the robe flowing in long layered folds characteristic of the Mandalay court style. The black lacquered surfaces contrast beautifully with the gilded borders, each section decorated with delicate floral motifs and bead-like accents. These ornamental patterns are typical of late-Konbaung craftsmanship, reflecting both religious symbolism and artistic refinement.

One of the most striking features of this sculpture is the pair of original inlaid eyes, a detail reserved for more important ritual statues. The gentle luminosity of the inlays gives the figure a lifelike calm, enhancing the meditative expression and recalling the traditional belief that the “opening of the eyes” animates the presence of the Buddha image.

The lotus pedestal beneath the feet is unusually elaborate, composed of radiating petal forms with ornate gilt decoration. This elevated base was designed to distinguish the Buddha as a sacred figure while giving the statue a strong architectural presence. Combined with the monumental height, it results in a sculpture that commands space in a way few surviving wooden Buddha images still do.

Despite its age, the statue has maintained a harmonious surface, with natural wear consistent with historical temple use. It remains a rare and impressive example of Burmese religious art, balancing spiritual dignity with masterful carving and decorative richness.