Burmese Wooden Maravijaya Buddha – Shan States

• Large Buddha in the position of witnessing the earth, Burma (Myanmar), late 19th century.
• The Awakened One is depicted in vajrasana, his right hand calling upon the Earth goddess to bear witness to his awakening and victory over Mara.
• Carved wood, black lacquer, gilding and red pigments.
• Very good condition.
• Provenance: Estate of Claude de Marteau.
• Sold with certificate of origin.

Burmese Maravijaya Buddha – Shan States

This representation of the Buddha corresponds to the iconography known as Maravijaya, or “victory over Māra,” illustrated by the gesture of the bhūmisparśa mudrā (touching the earth). The Buddha is depicted sitting in meditation, the left hand resting on the lap, while the right hand touches the earth, evoking the moment of his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodhgayā.

According to tradition, when confronted by the assaults of the demon Māra, Siddhārtha Gautama calls upon the earth to witness the merits accumulated during his past lives. The earth responds, washing away the forces of Māra and thus consecrating the victory over illusions and the attainment of enlightenment.

In Theravāda Buddhism, this posture constitutes one of the most fundamental representations of the historical Buddha. It expresses the power of the pāramī (perfections) and the primacy of merit on the path to liberation.

Burmese productions, and particularly those from the Shan States, are distinguished by a sensitive interpretation of this theme: soft features, a rounded face, an internalized expression, and attention paid to the details of the clothing and surface treatment. This approach gives the figure a presence that is both accessible and deeply contemplative.

This sculpture in lacquered and gilded wood is fully part of this tradition, combining a central iconography of Buddhism with material work characteristic of Burmese workshops, where gilding participates in both an aesthetic language and a devotional practice.

To discover other comparable works, please also see our selection of Burmese Buddhas.