Crowned Burmese Mandalay Buddha Statue

Crowned Burmese Mandalay Buddha Statue

AGE: – Mid to late 19th Century
HEIGHT: – 78 cm
WIDTH:– 42 cm
DEPTH: – 30 cm
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The Jambhupati-style Buddha statue from Mandalay, Burma, is a stunning representation of artistry, adorned with a metal seven-tiered metal crown with a wooden finial. The crown is decorated with glass mosaic and features a metal band that crosses the forehead, finishing at ear level. This Mandalay Buddha statue is dressed in the Jambhupati style of a royal king Buddha in royal garments. The Buddha showcases metal side flanges, decorative metal earrings, and metal accessories, with separate pieces encompassing the head, feet and hands in alabaster, all meticulously crafted as individual pieces.

The statue’s attire is further enhanced by the application of Thayo lacquer, a rich resin commonly used in Myanmar to embellish Buddha statues. This lacquer creates a complex design on the robe, with the lower section displaying a diamond-shaped motif, with each diamond housing a vibrant glass mosaic medallion at its center and the upper body featuring a rounded fish scale pattern.

This intricate design continues on the back of the statue, where a decorative scrolling pattern runs along the base, also embellished with colorful glass mosaics, making this piece a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and devotion.

The Artistic Legacy of Burmese Jambhupati-Style Buddha Statues

The Jambhupati-style Buddha statues represent a unique and fascinating aspect of Burmese Buddhist art, blending religious significance with regal splendour. These statues are not just religious icons; they are also historical artefacts that tell a story of cultural exchange, artistic evolution, and spiritual symbolism.

Originating from the rich cultural tapestry of Myanmar, the Jambhupati style is named after a legend involving the historical Buddha and a haughty king named Jambhupati. According to the tale, the Buddha transformed into a king, donning royal attire to humble Jambhupati and lead him towards the path of Dharma. This transformative moment is captured in the statues, which depict the Buddha in royal garments, complete with a crown and sometimes even jewels, a stark contrast to the traditional monk’s robes usually associated with representations of the Enlightened One.

The Jambhupati-style statues are more frequently seated in the lotus position, embodying a serene composure. They are adorned with intricate details, such as the thayo lacquer work, glass mosaics, and gilding, which highlight the exceptional craftsmanship of the Burmese artisan. The Mandalay period, in particular, saw the creation of wooden Jambhupati Buddha statues that were highly decorative, featuring patterns resembling fish scales or floral scrolls, and embellished with lavish thayo lacquer work and glass mosaics.

The Mrauk-U style, from the Rakhine State, presents another variation of the Jambhupati Buddha, typically cast in bronze and adorned with ornate side flanges and pronged crowns reminiscent of English royalty. These statues often feature animals like elephants or lions, which hold significance in the Buddha’s life story and are sometimes accompanied by figures of disciples or other relevant characters.

The Shan Jambhupati Buddha statues, crafted from materials such as alabaster, marble, wood, and bronze, are equally impressive. The wooden statues, similar to those from the Mandalay style, are richly decorated with glass mosaics and thayo lacquer, reflecting the shared artistic traditions across different regions of Myanmar.

These statues are not merely objects of veneration; they are a testament to the skill and spiritual devotion of the Burmese people. They encapsulate a blend of the human and the divine, the earthly king and the heavenly Buddha, serving as a bridge between the mundane and the sacred.

For collectors and enthusiasts, the Jambhupati-style Buddha statues are more than just pieces of art; they are a connection to the past, a reflection of the spiritual journey, and a celebration of Burmese artistic heritage. Whether housed in a temple or a private collection, these statues continue to inspire awe and reverence, reminding us of the enduring legacy of Buddhist art in Myanmar.