Welcome Buddha. Burma, Mandalay style, 19th century.

Welcome Buddha. Burma, Mandalay style, 19th century.
In gold lacquered wood and glass inlay.
Measurements: 102 cm.

Buddha statue of Mandalay style, period dated between 1853 and 1948, initiated with the transfer of the capital from Amarapura to Mandalay and ending with the independence of the United Kingdom. Buddha images from this period are youthful, sweet-faced and dressed in rich robes carefully folded, embroidered and often decorated with mirrored stones and crystals. Sculptures before this time throughout Southeast Asia tended to depict monastic habits in a much more schematic manner. In the Mandalay period greater realism emerges in the features of the Buddha and his attire. The style of the faces is oval with long pointed noses, full lips and almond-shaped eyes defined by arched eyebrows. The facial expression is serene with narrowed eyes, concentrated in meditation and a soft smile on the lips. The hair hugs the head in tight curls and covers a broad, two-dimensional unisha or bulge on the head, representing the knowledge and wisdom the Buddha attained after being enlightened; the unisha sometimes takes the form of a flame indicating enlightenment. The long ears signify the wealth he had during his life as a prince and the curly hair represents the nobility he possesses.