Hand Carved Shan Buddha. Fragment. Gilt.  Wood. Late 18th Century.  Burma

The Shan States – a territorial part of Burma –  developed their own distinct artistic style.  During the 18th century, Shan Buddha sculpture became particularly sophisticated and elegant. Finely and realistically molded, the face exudes sweetness and serenity.

The Shan States were created by the Tai-Shan (Tai Yai) people – who migrated from Yunnan in China around the 11^th Century – into Burma.  The first Shan Buddha images found there date back only to the 17^th Century.

This piece is carved from a single piece of wood with a thick gilded patina on the upper portion.

The Bhumisparsha mudra gesture is displayed on this Buddha, symbolizing enlightenment.

Purchased from a “Shan” Buddha collector in New York City, USA.  It is thought to have come from the Shan Tai Buddhist Monastery, in Magok, District of Mandalay, Myanmar and possibly could have been housed in other monasteries over the last couple of centuries.

Historic piece for the Serious Collector.  The wood stand is included.

• Item Number: S-6917
• Provenance/Origin: Late 18th Century. Magok Monastery
• Composition: Wood
• Dimensions: 23" tall on stand x 9" at widest point x 4" deep. Wood stand base is 8" x 8"
• Weight: 7.5 pounds
• Price: $ 880.00 USD