Pair of 19th Century Burmese Mandalay Standing Buddhas

Description

Pair of 19th Century Burmese Mandalay Standing Buddhas
A pair of elaborate and decorative wooden, youthful, sweet-faced gilded gold with … more Pair of 19th Century Burmese Mandalay Standing Buddhas
A pair of elaborate and decorative wooden, youthful, sweet-faced gilded gold with black and red lacquer standing figures of the healing Buddha. The distinct features include the full, oval face (here in a beautiful gilded gold) with downward-gazing eyes; the curving and elongated golden ear-lobes; the "Uttarasanga" robe covering both shoulders; the cascade of elaborate folds of the robe over the chest, dextrously and exquisitely carved; the robe held apart by the outstretched arms, and the run of rippling pleats along the bottom edge (a 'tour de force' of carving); the use of glass pieces set in lacquer; the fillet (forehead band) that separates the hairline from the face; and studded hair with rounded "ushnisha" the large dome-shaped bump on top of the head.
The gold flame above symbolizes a crown a nod to the royal family and the spiritual power of the Buddha's enlightenment. The medicine Buddha embodies all the healing qualities associated with the enlightened mind.
Especially notable is the decoration of the robe edges (including where it descends down the back) with scrollwork made of small rolled-out threads of 'thayo' (lacquer putty), among which are set in green and white glass spangles ('hmanzi shwe cha'). The high relief, gilded gold dry lacquer has been further molded into scrolling floral and foliated patterns throughout the border edge of the robe. The glass "gems" have been further arranged into rosettes with a red center and white petals on the flowers. The glass rosettes are inset into the green and white glass pattern and lacquer design running down the edges of the robe adding a more opulent design style. Most unusual though is the beautiful fillet ribbon headband of red and white glass rosettes set into the lacquer covering the top of the forehead and hairline, which takes the place of a royal crown. The Buddha is in the healing standing position and holds, in his right hand, a medicinal fruit called myrobalan.
This pair of Mandalay Buddha Sculptures was hand carved in Bagan, the Mandalay Region of Myanmar, Burma. Both of the Buddha's bare feet stand on a circular lotus base red lacquered with inlaid green and white glass, mounted on an additional tiered black lacquered wooden pedestal base.

These gorgeous Buddhas have well-proportioned and slender figures with serene facial expressions. The hand-carved antique pair of Burmese Buddha statues are made of black and red lacquered, carved, and gilded wood; also with glass insets and glass rosettes.
They have the original gold glided patina finish with the original glass inlaid work. Both Buddhas would be perfect in a hallway or entrance.

The Buddha Measures 39" inches in height. 17" the widest part of the robe by 7" deep at the base.
In original and good condition, preserving a very nice patina, consistent with age.
Normal wear to gilding & wood splitting is consistent with age. Both Buddhas are missing an index finger on the left hand not noticeable unless pointed out. One of the Buddhas has worn-down fingers holding the medicinal fruit in the right hand. Also, this Buddha has missing petals on one rosette not noticeable unless pointed out. Please see the photos as imperfections do exist on both Buddhas due to age but do not distract from the overall beauty of these stunning healing Buddhas.
Both Buddha statutes are sound and sturdy. less