19th Century Unique Burmese Alabaster Shwebo Buddha Statue dressed in royal regalia with rings on the fingers of both hands, seated on a double lotus pedestal with the hand gesture in bhumisparsa mudra (earth touch mudra). The four-tiered crown is supported by a wide band circling the forehead with a small rounded usnisha sitting on top. The crown is flanked by ornately carved flanges, with large medallion-style earrings decorating the lobes of each ear. Age-related wear to lacquer and gilt.
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This Buddha is from the Shan state of Burma, it is the largest state in Myanmar and is home to many different ethnic groups, hence there is a variation in the presentation of Buddha sculpture styles that have evolved over the past few hundred years. The Shan State shares a border with Thailand in the south, China to the north and Laos to the east.
Shwebo Style Buddha Statue
The Shwebo-style Buddha statue was introduced in the early part of the 19th century, during the Shwebo period of Burmese history. This period was marked by political turmoil and wars, as different factions fought for control of the country after the collapse of the Konbaung dynasty. The Shwebo period heralded a revival of Buddhism and Burmese culture, as the people sought to preserve their identity and heritage.
The Shwebo style Buddha statue is one of the finest examples of Burmese Buddhist art from this era. they are usually made of alabaster, a soft and translucent stone that gives the statue a delicate and luminous appearance. They are frequently seen dressed in the royal king Jambhupati Buddha style, highly decorative with tiered crowns, wearing royal regalia, jewels, and large earrings with rings on the fingers.
The Shwebo Buddha statue represents the resilience and devotion of the Burmese people, who endured hardships and conflicts but never gave up their spiritual beliefs. It also reflects the teachings of the Buddha, who taught compassion and wisdom as the path to enlightenment.
The Shwebo Buddha statue is a rare and precious treasure that deserves to be admired and respected. It is a reminder of the rich and diverse culture of Myanmar, as well as the universal message of Buddhism.
Buddha statues in Burma are an important visual reminder that gives a sense of ethnic identity. It is believed by the Buddhists in Burma that facing a Buddha image is akin to being in the presence of the Buddha himself, many of these old images have been consecrated and are more than just lifeless images and are considered sacred.
Unique Burmese Alabaster Shwebo Buddha Statue
