16th Century Mrauk-U Bronze Buddha
16th Century Mrauk-U Bronze Buddha
Rare 16th Century Mrauk-U Bronze Buddha Statue depicted in full royal regalia, sitting upon a decorative base exhibiting a central anthropomorphic figure in high relief, flanked by pairs of elephants and lions (Chinthe).
The representation of the Buddha in royal attire became especially prominent during the Mrauk‑U period, a time when strong artistic and religious influences from India were adopted into local iconography.
Historical context for these cultural exchanges is illuminated by the Anandachandra Inscriptions, dated to 729 CE and now preserved at the Shitethaung Temple, though originally located at Vesali. These inscriptions provide some of the earliest documentary evidence for the establishment of Buddhism in the region and outline the religious practices of the Waithali (Vesali) Kingdom.
They also record a succession of Indian rulers, indicating early Buddhist transmission linked to the Chandra dynasty, which governed the Samatata region of Bengal as well as northern Arakan from approximately 327 CE. This connection underscores the deep historical ties between Arakanese Buddhism and the broader Buddhist traditions of the Indian subcontinent.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- AGE: – 16th Century
Height: – 55cm
Width: – 40cm
Depth: – 25cm
Weight: – 22.85 Kg.
#700
16th Century Mrauk-U Bronze Buddha
This style of Buddha statue is also referred to as a Jambupati or Royal King Buddha. This syncretic aesthetic is reflected in the elaborate crown, jewellery, and courtly ornamentation characteristic of crowned Buddha images from this era. The right hand of the Buddha is in bhumisparsha mudra “Calling earth to Witness”, whilst the left hand holds a jar (kalasa), believed to contain the “nectar of eternity or longevity” (amrita). Traces of gold leaf still remain with a red cinnabar lacquer base.
Guardian leogryphs and celestial beings decorating the front of the pedestal
Lion (Chinte)
Far left and far right – these are likely Chinthe, a popular guardian figure in Burma. Their presence on the pedestal signifies the protection of the sacred space and the “Lion’s Roar” of the Buddha’s teachings. In early Buddhism the lion was adopted as a symbol of Shakyamuni Buddha. In “The lotus Sutra and its opening and closing sutras, Shakyamuni Buddha is referred to as the “lion of the Shakyas”. Lions are are also symbolic of the Bodhisattva’s, they are beings who have attained a high level of spirituality.
Lions are guardians of temples and pagodas in China, Thailand, Burma and other countries where Buddhism is practiced. In Burma these guardian lions are referred to as Chinta and are usually seen in pairs, predominately situated at the entrance to a Pagoda. They are the protectors of the dharma and are commonly seen as protectors of the throne of the Buddha.
Elephants
Elephants flanking the central figure – in Buddhism the elephant is a symbol of strength and steadfastness. The Buddha was born as an elephant in some of his previous incarnations. In his last incarnation as Siddhartha Gautama he descended from Tushita heaven and entered his mother’s womb in the form of a white elephant.
Celestial Being
The central figure is likely a representation of Vasundhara (Wathundaye) or celestial being or earth deity positioned in a relaxed, asymmetrical pose (often lalitasana), appearing to witness or support the main image above.
The heavy, somewhat rounded casting of the animals and the specific shape of the throne base with its flared profile align with the Mrauk-U (Arakan) style iconography.
