12th-14th Century Bronze Pagan Buddha Statue
12th-14th Century Bronze Pagan Buddha Statue
12th-14th Century Bronze Pagan Buddha Statue is a significant bronze figure depicting the Buddha seated in vajrasana (diamond throne) on a double-lotus pedestal. The right hand is in the bhumisparsha mudra (earth-touching gesture), marking the moment of his enlightenment.
The statue exemplifies the “Pala-Burmese” synthesis characteristic of the Pagan Golden Age, featuring a prominent urna on the forehead, a scalloped “lotus hairline,” and a tall, conical ushnisha.
The monastic robe (sanghati) is rendered in a translucent style, clinging to the torso with a distinct fan-shaped “swallow-tail” fold draped over the left shoulder.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- ORIGIN: Myanmar (Burma)
PERIOD: 11th–13th Century
MATERIAL: High-copper Bronze alloy with remnants of black lacquer and gold leaf
DIOMENSIONS: H: 49 cm W: 38cm x D: 20cm
WEIGHT: 16.15 kg
#123
12th-14th Century Bronze Pagan Buddha Statue
Stylistic Identification
The Urna: A prominent, raised urna occupies the center of the forehead. Often identified as the “Eye of Wisdom” or “Third Eye,” this auspicious mark represents the Buddha’s transcendental vision and the attainment of ultimate enlightenment. The lotus bud style hairline are not surface marks they work in tandem with the raised ushnisha (cranial bump).
The Mudra: The figure is depicted in bhumisparsha mudra, the “Earth Witness” gesture. This represents the pivotal moment under the Bodhi tree when Siddhartha Gautama summoned the earth to validate his merit, thereby overcoming the temptations of Mara.
Physiognomy and Form: The visage conveys a profound serenity, characterized by downcast eyes and full, slightly upturned lips. Consistent with the classic Pagan style, the torso is draped in a simple, unadorned monk’s robe (sanghati), emphasizing the ascetic nature of the figure.
The Pedestal: The Buddha is seated in vajrasana atop a detailed double lotus pedestal (padmasana), where the upward and downward-facing petals symbolize the intersection of the mundane and the enlightened realms.
Structural Integrity: An integrated bronze lug on the reverse suggests the piece was originally anchored to a temple niche or served as the support for a separate backplate (torana).
Oxidation: The metal exhibits deep microscopic pitting that penetrates through to the hollow interior, a hallmark of slow, natural corrosion over centuries. The base retains a heavy, petrified mineral encrustation that has become part of the bronze’s structure.
