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Buddha Mandalay – 35 cm – Inlaid Eyes

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SKU

364

An authentic Mandalay-style wooden Buddha from Myanmar, early 20th century. The sculpture features original white stone inlaid eyes with hand-painted pupils, remaining traces of gold and red polychromy, and decorative glass inlays. Natural age cracks and wear confirm traditional temple use. Height 37 cm, with a strong presence and expressive facial features.

€425.00

TAX

Material: Hand-carved wood with original gold-leaf finish over red bole

Eyes: Hand-inlaid calcite (natural white stone) with black painted pupils

Period: ca. 1890–1930

Region: Burma (Myanmar)

Condition: Authentic aged surface with stable cracks, original gilding and pigmentation preserved, minor devotional touch-ups visible

Authentication: Examined under UV light and microscope using museum-grade analytical methods

Buddha Mandalay – 35 cm – Inlaid Eyes

In stock

Description

This Burmese wooden Buddha statue represents a serene depiction of the Enlightened One seated in meditation. Carved with smooth facial features and a gentle expression, it reflects the refined Mandalay-period style that continued into the early 20th century. The statue is finished with a traditional gold-leaf surface applied over a red bole layer, typical for devotional sculptures intended for household and small temple environments.

Microscopic examination reveals the characteristic granular structure of leaf gilding, along with areas where the red underlayer is exposed due to age-related wear. The eyes are hand-inlaid using a smooth white natural material, consistent with polished calcite rather than glass or porcelain. The decoration includes inset mirrored and green elements, imitating precious stones often seen in Burmese religious art.

The reverse and underside show natural wood oxidation, shrinkage cracks, and long-term handling marks. All visible features align with an authentic, traditionally made Burmese devotional image from around 1890–1930, preserved with later touch-ups to maintain its devotional appearance.

A decorative and historically representative piece for collectors of Southeast Asian Buddhist art.