257 - Buddha head made of gold-lacquered copper alloy, Burma, 18th–19th century

Buddha head made of gold-lacquered copper alloy, Burma, 18th–19th century Shan-style Buddha head. This work perfectly illustrates the aesthetic ideals of Shan art: the face is serene with a meditative expression, the eyebrows are arched and meet at the bridge of the nose, and the closed mouth hints at a slight smile. The hairstyle, separated from the forehead by a headband, is rendered with small, regular spikes and topped by a rounded, prominent ushnisha (cranial protuberance). The earlobes are traditionally elongated. The surface retains rich traces of its original gilding, applied over a red lacquer undercoat that has developed a brown patina. The half-closed eyes are hollow and openwork, strongly suggesting—in keeping with Shan tradition—that they were originally inlaid, likely with semiprecious stones. Height: 28 cm Modern Plexiglas base.