275 - SEATED BRONZE BUDDHA BURMA 18TH CENTURY

SEATED BRONZE BUDDHA BURMA 18TH CENTURY Dimensions: Height 41 cm Wide 24 cm Depth 21 cm Weight: 5739 grams A large Burmese bronze Buddha seated in the earth-touching gesture on a high, architecturally structured pedestal. The figure is composed with broad shoulders, a calm oval face and tightly arranged curls rising to a pointed flame finial. One hand rests palm-up in the lap while the other reaches down across the knee, anchoring the otherwise meditative pose. The robe is indicated by restrained linear folds, allowing the smooth modelling of the torso and face to dominate. The downward-reaching hand identifies the bhumisparsha mudra, the moment in which Shakyamuni calls the earth to witness his enlightenment. It is one of the most enduring images in Buddhist art because it turns a profound spiritual event into a single, instantly legible gesture. The Buddha remains completely still while the hand connects him to the ground, making physical contact with the world at the very moment of awakening. The substantial openwork pedestal is almost a sculpture in its own right. Layered lotus petals, geometric bands and pierced scrolling forms lift the Buddha well above the supporting surface and create a strong visual transition from architectural base to serene figure. The dark brown patina, rubbed highlights and isolated green oxidation give the bronze a mature surface that complements its considerable scale and weight.