Mandalay Temple Buddha – ca. 1800–1850 (53 cm, Inlaid Eyes)

Description

This is an early Mandalay temple Buddha carved in hardwood from Myanmar, dating to approximately 1800–1850. The sculpture was originally installed inside a Buddhist shrine or temple, as evidenced by the traditional mounting system on the underside, including hand-forged iron nails with distinctive grid-pattern heads and a carved anchoring slot for securing the figure to a ritual platform. These nails show deep, natural oxidation that confirms considerable age.

The figure retains large areas of its original gilded surface applied over a red bole preparation layer, a hallmark of authentic Burmese temple craftsmanship. The gilding shows natural historical wear consistent with more than 150 years of devotional use. The expressive eyes are set with original dark glass inlays rather than being painted, indicating a higher-quality temple commission.

The wooden construction involves multiple carved blocks joined with traditional woodworking techniques. Inside the open joints, one can still observe original maker’s pencil (or charcoal) alignment marks, an uncommon but important indicator of workshop practice in the 19th century. The interior wood shows deep, natural oxidation, surface mineralization and drying cracks expected of long-aged hardwood.

The underside is not flat, unlike later export pieces. Instead, the original mounting system remains intact, confirming that this piece was not produced for the commercial market but functioned historically as a true temple image. No modern fillers, screws, or synthetic adhesives are present.

Height: 51 cm

Material: Carved hardwood with original gilded surface over bole

Origin: Mandalay, Myanmar

Date: ca. 1800–1850

Eyes: Original inlay

Condition: Natural age wear, original structure preserved, no modern restoration visible