Inscribed and Dated Burmese Bronze Buddha (1331 / 1869–70) – Myanmar

This inscribed and dated Mandalay period Burmese bronze Buddha represents Shakyamuni in bhumisparsha mudra, the gesture of calling the earth to witness his enlightenment. The incised cartouche mentions an identified donor as well as a local religious context, characteristic of votive practices of Theravāda Buddhism in Burma.

• Burma (Myanmar), Mandalay period, circa 1870.
• Provenance: former Claude de Marteau collection.
• Dimensions: H 46 cm × W 43 cm × D 25 cm.
• Weight: 17 kg.

Inscribed and Dated Burmese Bronze Buddha – Mandalay Period (19th Century)

Representation of the Buddha in bhumisparsha mudra, seated in vajrāsana on a lotus-form base, executed in copper alloy. This Burmese work (Myanmar), attributed to the Mandalay period, belongs to the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. It is distinguished by the balance of its proportions and the quality of its modeling. The face, with full and slightly asymmetrical volumes, expresses a form of inner restraint: the lowered gaze of compassion, treated with sobriety, confers an embodied interiority to the whole.

The base bears an incised inscription in Burmese, arranged in a cartouche. It mentions a religious donation, with indication of the day, the year 1331, the donor — identified as U Nana — as well as a monastery located in the district of Shataw (transcription to be specified). Dated to the 9th day of a lunar month of the year 1331 (Burmese calendar, year beginning around April), corresponding to 1869–1870.

The engraving, executed by hand, presents irregularities in line and depth that exclude standardized production. The entire inscription integrates naturally into the base, without visible break or later addition.

The alloy develops a nuanced golden-brown patina, punctuated by darker areas related to oxidation. The wear, visible on the protruding parts — nose, lips, knees — is consistent and contributes to a homogeneous reading of the surface.

The significant weight of the sculpture, 17 kilos, linked to a substantial quantity of metal, can be interpreted as the expression of a substantial donation, the notion of merit being closely linked to the act of offering in the Burmese Buddhist context.

Very good state of preservation, with wear consistent with age and use.

Provenance: Former Claude de Marteau collection. This connects the piece to a recognized ensemble of Buddhist art, assembled over several decades.

Sold with certificate.