Not currently on display at the V&A

Seated Buddha

19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The Bodhisattva is seated in the padmasana mudra (legs locked in the lotus position) on a high hour-glass shaped base. The right hand in bhumisparsa mudra (earth touching or witness attitude) and the left hand rests upturned in the lap in the dhyana mudra (meditating attitude).
He wears the robe of the ascetic beneath the elaborate ornaments of a Bodhisattva. The very ornate crown has six points whilst a long baluster-shaped spike rises from its centre. On each side of this crown are two flame-like wings which rest upon the shoulders of the figure and rise almost to the top of the central spike of the crown.
The figure was formerly gilt and the hair at the back painted red.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Figure of bronze, cast by the "cire perdue" process, with traces of red lacquer and gilding.
Brief description
Burmese sculpture depicting Buddhist bodhisattva. Konbaung Dynasty (1852-1885). Bronze with traces of gilding and lacquer. 19th century
Physical description
The Bodhisattva is seated in the padmasana mudra (legs locked in the lotus position) on a high hour-glass shaped base. The right hand in bhumisparsa mudra (earth touching or witness attitude) and the left hand rests upturned in the lap in the dhyana mudra (meditating attitude).
He wears the robe of the ascetic beneath the elaborate ornaments of a Bodhisattva. The very ornate crown has six points whilst a long baluster-shaped spike rises from its centre. On each side of this crown are two flame-like wings which rest upon the shoulders of the figure and rise almost to the top of the central spike of the crown.
The figure was formerly gilt and the hair at the back painted red.
Dimensions
  • Height: 36.6cm
  • At base width: 13.4cm
  • At base depth: 9cm
Style
Credit line
Given by Alan F. Hooka, Esq., 11 Herbert Crescent, S.W.1
Production
Previously considered Siamese.
Subject depicted
Collection
Accession number
IM.320-1920

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Record createdSeptember 3, 2003
Record URL
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