Large Buddha in Ava style. Burma, XVIII century

Big Buddha in Ava style. Burma, XVIII century.
Teak wood finished with red lacquer and gold.
In good condition.
Measurements: 95 x 50 x 36 cm.

The great Buddha in tender is based on the Buddhist tradition of the foundation of the kingdom of Ava by King Thado Minpya. The Ava kingdom, which dominated Upper Myanmar from the mid-14th century to the mid-17th century, was famous for beautiful ancient Buddha statues with much larger and rounder foreheads than usual. Here the Buddha is depicted with a serene face and symmetrical features. The closed eyelids indicate meditation, the elongated earlobes symbolize nobility and wisdom. The carefully carved headdress is inspired by the shape of a stupa. 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 Buddha 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.