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 |
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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 created | June 23, 2003 |
Record URL |
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