Mandalay Buddha Statue – 19th Century Burmese Wood with Original Gold Leaf and Glass Inlay
52.5 cm Burmese Mandalay Buddha, carved from hardwood and decorated with original 24 kt gold leaf and hand-set glass inlays. UV- and microscope-examined, confirming 19th-century craftsmanship and natural temple wear. A well-preserved and authentic devotional sculpture from Myanmar.
TAX BLOCK (compact and factual)
Object examined with UV fluorescence and digital microscopy. Hardwood structure with traditional Burmese lacquer-gilding (24 kt gold leaf over mineral bole). Glass inlays and mineral-based eye pigments confirmed. Natural craquelure, dust deposition and oxidized recesses indicate 19th-century temple use. No modern restoration materials identified. Underside shows later protective lacquer.
Period: ca. 1850–1890
Height: 52.5 cm
Retail valuation (1stbuddha): €3.000 – €3.800
Mandalay Buddha Statue – 19th Century Burmese Wood with Original Gold Leaf and Glass Inlay
Description
This authentic Mandalay Buddha originates from the Konbaung period of Myanmar in the late 19th century. Carved from dense tropical hardwood, the sculpture displays the refined artistry and spiritual elegance associated with Mandalay workshop production between ca. 1850 and 1890.
The surface retains its original 24 kt gold leaf, applied over a traditional Burmese lacquer (thit-si) and mineral bole preparation. UV examination confirms natural ageing of the gold leaf and lacquer layers, with characteristic craquelure and oxidized recesses. Hand-cut glass inlays remain in place across the robe, a hallmark of Mandalay devotional aesthetics, while evidence of lost stones shows age-consistent mineral patination in the cavities.
Microscopy reveals no modern restoration materials, and the piece retains genuine temple use traces, including embedded dust and gradual handling wear. The original painted eyes, executed with mineral white pigment and carbon-based black, are preserved without retouching.
This is a well-documented and authoritative example of 19th-century Burmese Buddhist sculpture.
Material: Hardwood, 24 kt gold leaf over lacquer, hand-set glass inlays
Origin: Mandalay, Myanmar
Period: ca. 1850–1890 (Konbaung Dynasty)
Height: 52.5 cm
Condition: Authentic age-related wear, no modern overpainting; later protective lacquer present on underside
- Materials
- Origin
- Dimensions
- Stock
Shipping Quote
- EU€
- Continental US€
- Rest of worldPrice upon request
- Local pickupFree of charge
Request Price
Mandalay Buddha Statue – 19th Century Burmese Wood with Original Gold Leaf and Glass Inlay
Your Details:
