303 - SEATED BRONZE BUDDHA WITH INSCRIPTION BURMA 16TH CENTURY

SEATED BRONZE BUDDHA WITH INSCRIPTION BURMA 16TH CENTURY Dimensions: Height 15,2 cm Wide 6,7 cm Depth 4,5 cm Weight: 440 grams A slender Burmese bronze Buddha seated cross-legged on a low rounded base, the figure framed by a large leaf-shaped halo rising directly behind the head. The face is calm and elongated, with downcast eyes, long earlobes and tightly arranged curls beneath a pointed finial. One hand reaches downward in the earth-touching gesture while the other rests in the lap. The bronze is covered by a rich green patina, especially across the halo and lower body, with warmer brown metal visible on the face, arms and base. The bhumisparsha mudra refers to the moment of enlightenment when Shakyamuni called the earth to witness his spiritual achievement. Here the gesture is rendered with striking economy: the body remains upright and still while the long arm descends toward the ground, creating a strong vertical rhythm between halo, torso and hand. An inscription runs around the front of the pedestal, giving the sculpture an additional documentary dimension. The contrast between script, simple base and dramatically enlarged halo makes this small bronze particularly memorable. Its surface has aged into a complex mixture of green, brown and exposed metal, giving the image a strongly archaeological presence while preserving the clarity of the Buddha's essential form.