Paper mache pair of Antique Burmese Buddha Statues
We have here a rare pair of Burmese Buddha statues from the 18th century (around 1750–1825). They were made in Myanmar using papier-mâché with fire gilding, a technique reserved for ritual images. Both show the Buddha in Bhumisparsha mudra — the earth-touching gesture of enlightenment and protection. With heights of 65.5 and 64.5 cm, this is an unusual matching pair that you simply don’t see very often. One of them even has a year carved on the back, marking the date when it first came to Europe.
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This valuation report is prepared for documentation and reference only.
It reflects our own study and opinion, based on the visual inspection we carried out and comparison with related objects.
It is not a legal or certified appraisal, and it should not be used for insurance, tax, or court purposes.
Authenticity, origin, and value are considered with care, but no absolute guarantees can be given.
We take the time with every item we offer to document it carefully and as honestly as possible.
Pair of Antique Burmese Buddha Statues (c. 1750–1825)
Material: Ritual papier-mâché, lacquer, fire-gilding
Origin: Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)
Dimensions:
Statue A (with original tag): Height 65.5 cm × Width 31 cm × 3.5 kg
Statue B (without tag): Height 64.5 cm × Width 30 cm × 4.0 kg
This rare pair of 18th-century Burmese Buddha statues represents a remarkable survival from the late Konbaung period. Both figures are seated in Bhumisparsha Mudra — the “Earth Touching Gesture” — symbolizing Buddha’s enlightenment and triumph over illusion. One of the statues even carries a year carved into the back, marking the moment it first entered Europe, which makes this set especially well-documented.
Crafted using the traditional Burmese ritual technique, they were made from lacquered papier-mâché reinforced with organic structures, and finished with fire gilding. Under UV light, traces of original gold, natural patina, and calcification layers confirm their authenticity and temple use. Statue B also preserves thick mineral deposits inside, evidence of centuries-old ritual placement.
While originally placed in different shrines, both figures follow the same iconographic canon. Subtle differences in flame tip and base design suggest they were conceived as complementary ritual images.
Paper mache pair of Antique Burmese Buddha Statues
Description
Pair of Antique Burmese Buddha Statues (c. 1750–1825)
Material: Ritual papier-mâché, lacquer, fire-gilding
Origin: Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)
Dimensions:
Statue A (with original tag): Height 65.5 cm × Width 31 cm × 3.5 kg
Statue B (without tag): Height 64.5 cm × Width 30 cm × 4.0 kg
This rare pair of 18th-century Burmese Buddha statues represents a remarkable survival from the late Konbaung period. Both figures are seated in Bhumisparsha Mudra the “Earth Touching Gesture” symbolizing Buddha’s enlightenment and triumph over illusion. One of the statues even carries a year carved into the back, marking the moment it first entered Europe, which makes this set especially well-documented.
Crafted using the traditional Burmese ritual technique, they were made from lacquered papier-mâché reinforced with organic structures, and finished with fire gilding. Under UV light, traces of original gold, natural patina, and calcification layers confirm their authenticity and temple use. Statue B also preserves thick mineral deposits inside, evidence of centuries-old ritual placement.
While originally placed in different shrines, both figures follow the same iconographic canon. Subtle differences in flame tip and base design suggest they were conceived as complementary ritual images.
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Paper mache pair of Antique Burmese Buddha Statues
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