Ornate Burmese Gilt Wood Buddha Altar Shrine

Ornate Burmese Gilt Wood Buddha Altar Shrine

Beautiful and intricately carved Antique Ornate Burmese gilt wood Buddha altar shrine with glass mosaic and thayo lacquer decoration. Shrines similar to this are seen in Monasteries, Pagodas, and in Burmese households in Myanmar (formerly Burma).

A small Buddha statue or representation of the Buddha is traditionally placed on the shrine, accompanied by offerings such as flowers, to pay homage and demonstrate respect to the Lord Buddha. This daily practice serves as a vital reminder to practitioners, encouraging them to reflect upon the precepts and ethical goals established by the Buddha and to integrate these teachings into their daily lives.

Buddhist shrines exhibit a wide range of aesthetic styles, ranging from plain, understated designs to highly ornate pieces featuring intricate carvings and elaborate gilding. The shrine seen here is traditionally Burmese, reflecting a characteristic style found in regional handicrafts, which are often decorated with gold leaf and inlaid with colorful glass mosaics. This particular style of craftsmanship remains active today, with several small workshops still producing these shrines in the corridor leading to the Mahamuni Pagoda in Mandalay.

There are notable differences in the iconography between Buddhist traditions. Shrines within the Mahayana school often feature a wider array of figures, including Guan Yin, the Goddess of Compassion, various forms of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, and images of Maitreya, the future Buddha. In contrast, shrines belonging to the Theravada school, such as those found throughout Myanmar, maintain a focus centered solely on the image of the Buddha.

• AGE: 19th early 20th century
• HEIGHT: – 114cm
  WIDTH: – Base 77cm, second tier 57cm top tier 45cm
  DEPTH: – 52.5 front to back of base
• CONDITION: Tip of the carving on the top of the back section missing (right side – see Image)
• Bronze Buddha statue and Devas on the side not included
  #917