Buddha. Burma, Konbaung Period. 18th century.

Buddha. Burma, Konbaung Period. 18th century.
Wooden sculpture, lacquer coated and finished in gold.
In good general condition.
Measurements: 68 cm x 35 cm x 21 cm.

Seated Buddha, carved in wood. It belongs to the period of the Konbaung dynasty (1752-1885) known as Alaungpaya dynasty, was the last of the Burmese monarchy. It was founded by Alaungpaya, a village chief who had led a rebellion against the Mon, and succeeded the Taungû dynasty (1531-1752).

It represents Buddha in the posture of the lotus flower and performing a mudra that symbolizes that he takes the earth as a witness. He wears a sumptuous, finely carved costume. The symmetry of his physiognomic features express serenity, the closed eyelids indicate meditation, the elongated earlobes symbolize nobility and wisdom. The bhumi sparsa mudra ('gesture of touching the Earth', being bhumi: 'the planet Earth'; and sparsha: 'to touch') represents the moment when Buddha solved the problem of ending suffering when he was under the Bodhi tree. Usually represented by the historical Buddha and akshobhia seated in the lotus position, as in this magnificent bronze. The right hand almost touches the ground with the fingertips; the left hand rests on the leg with the palm facing up.