The Out of Our League, Lucky Fall Premier
Lot 65:
Description
19th Century Mandalay, Antique Burmese gilt wood and red-lacquered Buddha Sculpture
19th Century Mandalay, Antique Burmese gilt wood and red-lacquered Buddha.
The Buddha statue embodies wisdom, health, and prosperity, as illustrated by the "ball" held in his right hand – a common gesture, or mudra, in Buddhist iconography symbolizing these qualities.
The left hand of the statue is positioned in the Bhumisparsha mudra, also known as the earth-touching gesture. This mudra is deeply significant in Buddhism as it represents the moment of Buddha’s enlightenment, where he called upon the Earth to witness his awakening.
Adding to the divine nature of this piece, the Buddha’s head is adorned with an ushnisha – a protrusion or elevation depicted in the form of tight curls. This element, present in many Buddha statues, is considered a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and the expansion of wisdom.
The Buddha statue is draped in long, intricate robes that flow gracefully. A particularly noteworthy feature is the carved and jeweled sash adorning the robes, enhancing the overall grandeur of the piece.
Mandalay holds a significant position in Myanmar as a hub of Buddhist spirituality. King Mindon, marking a shift in the political landscape, transferred the capital from Amarapura to this newly chosen site, thereby establishing the city of Mandalay.
Legend has it that Gautama Buddha, accompanied by his disciple Ananda, once graced the holy summit of Mandalay Hill. During this visit, Buddha foretold that a great city devoted to Buddhist scholarship would arise on the plain beneath the hill, precisely 2400 years after his passing.
The city’s design was not a random choice, but it reflected deep spiritual underpinnings. The urban center was meticulously planned to mirror the ideal geometric structure of a Buddhist Mandala, a spiritual and ritual symbol representing the universe in Buddhism. This thoughtful design is the very essence of Mandalay’s namesake, cementing its role as a central axis of Buddhist learning and tradition.
51"H x 20"W x 8"D
Condition: good
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