18th Century Burmese Buddha, Standing and Holding Alms Bowl
An 18th Century Burmese Buddha, in the Shan style, in flowing robes, standing while holding an alms bowl. The sculpture is made out of solid wood with a gold painted finish and is mounted on a black veneer wood base. The description was provided to me at the time of purchase, along with a Certificate of Authenticity, from the Mandalay Gallery in Singapore. Based on my own observations and the reputation of the gallery owner, I believe this item to be authentic and the information provided to me to be true and correct. I would like to receive an opinion and estimate of the item's value from one of your specialist appraisers. Additionally, I would like to know in which years was the Shan style popular in Burma? Also, what particular features identify this item as "Shan" style? Finally, what is the significance of the alms bowl in Buddhism? Any additional insight you can provide to me is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Statue dimensions are 15"W x 14"D x 64"H; Base dimensions are 12.5"W x 12.5"D x 8.5"H; Overall height of statue including the base is 72.5"
Dealer or Gallery
Yes
Hello,
This item is an 18th-century Burmese Buddha statue carved in the Shan style. Standing tall at 64 inches, this wooden sculpture depicts Buddha in traditional flowing robes and holding an alms bowl, a significant attribute in Buddhist iconography. The alms bowl, held by Buddha, symbolizes humility, compassion, and the monastic tradition of collecting alms, which connects the monk with the lay community. In Burmese art, such representations reflect Buddha's journey toward enlightenment and his role as a teacher, showing respect for monastic life and Buddhist values.
The Shan style, named after the Shan states of Burma (now Myanmar), gained popularity between the 17th and 19th centuries. This style is characterized by gentle facial expressions, elongated earlobes, and simplified yet graceful robe patterns. The design on this statue aligns with these attributes, showcasing the flowing, layered robes and serene facial features typical of Shan craftsmanship. The wood used in these sculptures was often locally sourced and finished with a gilded or painted surface, as seen here, though the statue shows signs of age-related wear with some loss of its painted finish.
In terms of valuation, given its age, cultural significance, and the craftsmanship representative of the Shan style, this statue would likely be appraised between $4,000 and $6,000 USD. This valuation considers similar Shan-style Buddha figures from the same period, their condition, and market demand among collectors of Southeast Asian religious art. The statue’s condition, with an aged patina and minor wear, is consistent with its historical usage and adds authenticity to the piece, though it may also influence the exact market price within the given range.
Maintaining the sculpture in a stable, humidity-controlled environment will help preserve its condition. As a piece of historical Burmese religious art, it embodies both aesthetic beauty and cultural depth, resonating with those who appreciate the spiritual and artistic heritage of the Shan period.
Dear John,
Thank you again for your kind words and for taking the time to follow up. The alms bowl is indeed a central and deeply significant symbol in Buddhist imagery, particularly when depicted in sculptures like this 18th-century Burmese Buddha. It represents the practice of giving and receiving alms, a cornerstone of Buddhist monastic life that embodies humility, generosity, and interdependence between monks and lay followers.
In Burmese Buddhist art, figures holding an alms bowl are often meant to evoke the Buddha’s daily life as a teacher and his commitment to simplicity. The Shan style of this particular piece further enhances its spiritual resonance, with its distinctive emphasis on graceful, elongated forms and serene expressions that invite contemplation and reverence.
Thank you for your thorough and detailed appraisal. I appreciate the additional historical information you provided regarding the Shan style and the significance of the alms bowl in Buddhist imagery. JD