19th Century Bronze Buddha, Mandalay, Style, Bhumisparsha Mudra,
A 19th Century Burmese Buddha, Mandalay style, seated in the Bhumisparsha Mudra, , made out of bronze, with shell inset eyes and a robe curled and draped over both shoulders and left arm. There is some oxidation. 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 of the item and estimate of the item's value from one of your expert appraisers. Additionally, I would like to know in which years was the Mandalay style popular in Burma? Also, is there any particular significance to the robe draped over the shoulders? Finally, would you be able to briefly elaborate on the type of metals used to create a "bronze" statue such as this? Any additional insight you can provide to me is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
22.87"W x 17.5"D x 29.5"H
Dealer or Gallery
Yes
Hello,
Your item is a 19th-century Burmese bronze Buddha statue in the Mandalay style, seated in the Bhumisparsha Mudra. This posture, often called the “earth-touching” gesture, symbolizes Buddha’s enlightenment. The Mandalay style, originating from the city of Mandalay in central Burma (modern-day Myanmar), flourished during the late Konbaung Dynasty (1752–1885) and became one of the most iconic representations of Burmese Buddhist art. Characterized by smooth, rounded features, a serene expression, and elaborate drapery, Mandalay Buddha statues are renowned for their peaceful elegance and attention to intricate detail, as seen in the robe draped over both shoulders. The use of shell inset eyes adds an additional level of craftsmanship and authenticity, typical of Burmese statues of this period.
The robe’s draping over both shoulders, along with the Bhumisparsha Mudra, aligns with traditional Burmese iconography, symbolizing stability and the enlightened state. These stylistic elements make this piece an excellent example of the Mandalay school, known for merging aesthetic refinement with religious symbolism.
In terms of market value, the demand for authentic Burmese Buddha statues from the 19th century remains strong among collectors and connoisseurs of Southeast Asian religious art. Given the condition and detailing of this statue, along with its provenance from the Mandalay Gallery in Singapore, the estimated market value is between $8,000 and $12,000 USD. However, factors such as any additional certificates, the reputation of the dealer, and overall condition (notably the presence of oxidation) may influence its valuation.
D ear John,
Thank you for your kind words and for your interest in the bronze techniques used to create Buddha statues. The craftsmanship behind pieces like this Mandalay-style Buddha is truly remarkable. Typically, such statues were made using the lost-wax casting method, a technique that has been employed for centuries across Asia. This process involves creating a detailed wax model, which is then encased in clay and heated to melt away the wax, leaving a mold that is filled with molten bronze. Once cooled, the bronze piece is carefully polished and, in some cases, adorned with gilding or other finishes.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into the subject, I’d recommend the following resources:
1. “The Art of Buddhism” by Denise Patry Leidy – This book provides an excellent overview of Buddhist art across cultures, including insights into the materials and methods used in sculpture.
2. “Buddhist Sculpture of Northern Thailand” by Carol Stratton – While focused on a specific region, it offers detailed discussions on bronze casting techniques and stylistic nuances.
3. Academic articles in journals like Orientations or Arts of Asia often feature case studies and technical discussions about Asian bronzes.
Thank you for your thorough and detailed appraisal. I appreciate the additional historical information you provided regarding the Mandalay style.
I am interested to learn more of the bronze techniques used to create a Buddha statue. Are there a few books or articles you can recommend to me on this subject? Thanks in advance.