Crowned Burmese Mandalay Buddha Statue

Crowned Burmese Mandalay Buddha Statue

AGE: – Mid 19th Century
HEIGHT: – 78 cm
WIDTH:– 42 cm
DEPTH: – 30 cm
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Jambhupati style Crowned Burmese Mandalay Buddha Statue wearing a seven-tiered metal crown supported by a glass mosaic with a decorated metal band crossing the forehead and ending above each ear. A wooden pointed finial sits on top of the crown. The Buddha is seen here wearing royal attire with metal side flanges, earrings, and regalia, all separate pieces.

The attire of the Jambhupati-style Buddha statue is accentuated with the use of Thayo lacquer, a thick resin used extensively to decorate Buddha statues in Myanmar. The thayo lacquer forms an intricate pattern on the robe. The lower part of the robe is in a diamond-shaped pattern, each filled with a medallion of coloured glass mosaics in the centre of each diamond and a rounded pattern on the upper body.

The pattern is repeated on the back of the Buddha statue with a decorative scrolling pattern across the length of the base, also decorated with coloured glass mosaics.

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 like 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. For those interested in exploring this exquisite art form further.