Antique Burmese Jambupati Buddha with glass mosaic, c. 1900
€995Bid from €895.50
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Damme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales
Product description
A beautiful and particularly recognizable example of Burmese devotional art: an antique Jambupati Buddha in the classic Mandalay style, crafted in Burma around 1900. The wood-carved statue is finished with deep red lacquer, a weathered layer of gilding, and exceptionally rich decoration of green and mirrored glass. The individually inlaid eyes enhance its vivid, almost human expression. In the Jambupati depiction, Buddha does not appear in the simple robes of a monk, but as a universal monarch. His royal appearance illustrates the story in which the proud King Jambupati is brought to understanding by the splendor and spiritual power of Buddha. Royal Jambupati attire The body is clad in rich, layered court robes. The upright, winged shoulder ornaments, wide cuffs, decorative belt, and glass-studded headband refer to Burmese royal regalia. Repeated scale, flame, and floral motifs cover almost the entire surface and extend over the sleeves, shoulders, and back. Thayo technique and glass mosaic The fine, raised relief lines are executed in thayo, the traditional Burmese lacquer paste used to build up ornaments on a carved wooden core. Small green and mirrored glass fragments are inlaid in the decoration to suggest precious gemstones like emeralds and diamonds. This sparkling inlay beautifully contrasts with the softly weathered gilding. Iconography and mudra The Buddha sits in padmasana, the lotus position. His right hand reaches over the knee towards the earth in the bhumisparsha mudra. This is the decisive moment when Buddha calls upon the earth to witness his enlightenment and his victory over Mara. The left hand rests palm-up in the lap, symbolizing meditation and inner peace. Lacquer and gilding The lobed throne base and the underlying layers display the characteristic deep red Burmese lacquer, which strongly contrasts with the dull, age-softened gilding. Local red accents in the relief decoration add extra depth to the ornament. Dating and origin Burma, present-day Myanmar, Mandalay style, late 19th to early 20th century. Condition Authentic antique condition with visible signs of age and wear. The gilding and red lacquer show wear and local losses. Some pieces of glass mosaic are missing or damaged. The wood has age-related and shrinkage cracks, including at the foot and the lower robes. The underside shows old reinforcements and signs of use. The inlaid eyes are present. All photos are an integral part of the condition description. Specifications Depiction: Jambupati Buddha, the royal Buddha Origin: Burma, present-day Myanmar Style: Mandalay style Dating: late 19th to early 20th century Material: carved wood, thayo lacquer relief, gilding, and glass/mirror mosaic Pose: padmasana with bhumisparsha mudra Dimensions: H 48 × W 33 cm Weight: 4.8 kg SKU: 738 An impressive collector's item where Burmese religious iconography, royal Mandalay aesthetics, and highly decorative lacquer work converge.
Additional details:
- Brand: 1stbuddha
- Style: Birmese
- Style: Mandalay-stijl
- Material: lak
- Material: thayo
- Colour: goud
- Colour: spiegelend
- Period: ca. 1900
- availability: in_stock
Specifications
CategorySculptureConditionVery goodColorsRed, GreenMaterialWood, Gold, GlassSeller locationDamme, GermanyDelivery optionsDelivery or pickup