Antique gilded wooden Maravijaya Buddha statue – Burma, Konbaung period

Ancient carved, lacquered, and gilded wood Buddha statue. Burma, Shan States, Konbaung period (1752-1885).

• Maravijaya representation in bhūmisparśa mudrā.
• Double lotus base and open reliquary cavity on the reverse.
• Beautiful ancient polychromy and excellent state of preservation.
• Provenance: Claude de Marteau estate.
• H 74 cm x W 33 cm x D 28 cm

Antique gilded wooden Maravijaya Buddha statue – Konbaung Burma

Carved, lacquered and gilded wood Maravijaya Buddha image, from the Shan States in Burma and dating to the Konbaung period (1752–1885). This antique Burmese statue stands out for the richness of its ornamentation, the quality of its original polychromy, and the serene balance of its face with full, soothing features.

The Enlightened One is shown seated in vajrāsana on a stylized double lotus base. His right hand touches the earth in the bhūmisparśa mudrā, a major episode in Theravāda iconography evoking victory over Māra, the demon of illusions and obstacles to awakening. This posture, also called Maravijaya, remains ubiquitous in Buddha representations in Burma and Thailand.

The back of the throne reveals an open reliquary cavity, while the base retains donors’ inscriptions. The whole has fine sculptural density and a particularly rich surface, alternating wine-red lacquer, old gilding and natural wear that attests to its age.

Konbaung and Shan-style Buddhas are often characterized by rounder, more benevolent faces than their Thai counterparts, as well as meticulous treatment of garment folds and decorative elements. This sculpture fully illustrates this aesthetic tradition specific to 18th- and 19th-century Burma.

Provenance: estate of Claude de Marteau.
Sold with a provenance certificate.