19th-Century Burmese Mandalay Buddha – Solid Teak (50.5 cm)

This monumental Burmese Buddha statue (50.5 cm) from the late Konbaung dynasty is an exceptional example of the early Mandalay style. The sculpture is entirely hand-carved from a single solid block of Burmese teak wood and boasts an impressive width of 40.5 cm, giving the statue a powerful and stable appearance. The combination of refined wood carving, original Thayo lacquer decoration, Hmankazi mirror inlay, and beautifully aged gilding makes this a museum-worthy collector's item that radiates both spiritual depth and exceptional craftsmanship.

The Philosophical & Spiritual Significance: Why this statue is essential

This Shakyamuni Buddha depicts the decisive moment when enlightenment was achieved and symbolizes the triumph of wisdom over all worldly temptations.

• Bhumisparsha Mudra: With his right hand, the Buddha touches the earth as a witness to his enlightenment. This iconic hand gesture represents steadfastness, truth, and the definitive victory over Mara, the personification of ignorance and desire.
• Wide Meditative Posture: The powerful, stable sitting posture emphasizes inner peace, spiritual balance, and complete mastery of body and mind.
• Mandalay Aesthetic: The harmonious facial features, refined body proportions, and rich ornamentation are among the most beloved characteristics of classical Burmese temple art.
• Spiritual Presence: Thanks to its monumental size, this statue forms an impressive centerpiece within a meditation space, exclusive interior, or high-quality Asian art collection.

Material & Craftsmanship Analysis

• Monolithic Teak Wood: The sculpture is entirely carved from a single solid block of Burmese teak wood, a durable wood known for its exceptional stability and rich grain structure.
• Thayo & Hmankazi: The robe is richly decorated with traditional Thayo lacquer relief and inlaid with original Hmankazi mirror tesserae, a hallmark of high-quality Burmese temple art.
• Original Gilding: Remnants of historical gold leaf and the authentic lacquer layers give the statue a warm, age-old appearance with a beautifully nuanced patina.
• Traditional Construction: The professionally hollowed-out underside reduces tension in the massive wood and exclusively shows authentic manual gouge and chisel marks. The historical collection designation "B.U. 020" on the back refers to a former European private collection.

Specifications

• Height: 50.5 cm
• Width: 40.5 cm
• Weight: 5.4 kg
• Origin: Myanmar (Burma)
• Period: Late Konbaung Dynasty / Early Mandalay Period (c. 1880–1900)
• Material: Monolithic Burmese teak wood with Thayo relief, Hmankazi mirror glass, and remnants of gold leaf
• Iconography: Shakyamuni Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra
• Condition: Excellent authentic museum quality with original gilding, historical lacquer layers, and rich use patina

Each object is examined before it is offered: material, casting or carving technique, surface, and signs of age are compared with documented references. You will receive a certificate of authenticity and an official invoice detailing the period, material, and available provenance.

How we verify authenticity

Fully insured worldwide shipping in museum-quality packaging. Returns are sent to our Dutch address and you have a 14-day cooling-off period.

Read the shipping policy and the refund policy.

Pay securely at checkout with credit card, Klarna, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. The certificate of authenticity and the invoice are included in the price.