Antique Wooden Shan Buddha Statue – Burma/Myanmar – 18th/19th century – with old collection/export stamp

Antique Wooden Shan Buddha Statue

This antique wooden Shan Buddha statue from Burma / Myanmar radiates deep tranquility, simplicity, and spiritual power. The Buddha sits in the Bhumisparsha mudra, with the right hand touching the earth. This posture refers to the moment of enlightenment, in which the Buddha remains steadfast and calls upon the earth as a witness.

The meaning of this image lies in grounding, protection, inner certainty, and enlightenment. It is a powerful symbol for people who wish to bring more peace, stability, and spiritual focus into their home or personal space. The posture serves as a reminder to stand firm, even when there is unrest, doubt, or change.

The image is hand-carved from wood and displays the characteristic Shan style with a high-raised flame-shaped ushnisha, a restrained face, and elongated, stylized fingers. The weathered lacquer residue, old patina, drying cracks, and rough wooden base give the object a strong, untouched appearance of age.

Beneath the base lies an old inventory number and a lead collection or export seal. This reinforces the historical character of the sculpture and points to an older collection or provenance history. Due to its austere appearance and weathered surface, this sculpture possesses a powerful wabi-sabi beauty: pure, honest, and spiritually present.

A powerful and meaningful Shan Buddha statue for those seeking an authentic spiritual object with tranquility and history and deep symbolism. Particularly suitable for an altar, meditation spot, quiet living space, practice room, or collection of Asian art.