Not currently on display at the V&A

Recumbent Buddha

mid 19th century (made)
Place of origin

The Buddha reclines with flowing monastic robes inlaid at the edges with minute discs of mirror-glass. A band, set with mirror-work, separates the forehead from the tightly curled hair which rises to an ushnisha (topknot).


Object details

Object type
Materials and techniques
Cast bronze, partially jewelled with minute discs of mirror-glass.
Brief description
Burmese Buddha figure, in flowing monastic robes. Reclining in in the "recumbent" attitude. Konbaung Dynasty (1752-1885). Cast bronze, with minute discs of mirror-glass. c. mid 19th century.
Physical description
The Buddha reclines with flowing monastic robes inlaid at the edges with minute discs of mirror-glass. A band, set with mirror-work, separates the forehead from the tightly curled hair which rises to an ushnisha (topknot).
Dimensions
  • Length: 21.6cm
  • Height: 6.3cm
  • Width: 9cm
Style
Credit line
Purchased from Mrs M M Pollard, 28 Longridge Road, Earl's Court, SW
Object history
This is believed to have been acquired from Mandalay by Colonel Pollard (the donor's husband) while serving in Burma in the late 19th century.

Historical significance: Represents the Mandalay Style dating from the period when King Mindon (r. 1853-78) moved his capital to Mandalay in 1857. Indicated by the gentle facial expression and naturalistic drapery with its "fish tail" folds.

The Buddha reclines before his death in a posture shared by other South-east Asian traditions which show not a dying man but one comforably, even elegantly, recumbent and still alert.
Production
Previously considered 18th century. Re-attributed to mid or late 19th century by Dr. D. Swallow. Curator, Indian Dept. Victoria and Albert Museum, 1990
Bibliographic reference
British Museum "Buddhism - Art and Faith" 1985. Exhbition catalogue, Pl. 230, p. 168
Collection
Accession number
IM.51-1912

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Record createdJune 23, 2003
Record URL
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