A LARGE BURMESE LACQUER GILT WOOD FIGURE OF THE RAIN BUDDHAWood with gildingBurma, late 19th to first half of 20th centuryThe “Rain Buddha” is always standing and both arms are hanging down, palms of the hands in this sculpture lie flat on the uttarasanga seam. The iconography reflects the rural-folk cultural imprint, in Laos due to climatic reasons. After the long drought period, life-sustaining rain was desperately needed for the fields, so the Rain Buddha was called to help. Very straight posture, flaring uttarasanga, bare feet together on a narrow cubic lotus base. The facial features are imperially confident with expressive inlaid eyes, the ushnisha only lightly arched. Dimensions: HEIGHT 147 CMCondition: Excellent condition, very minor wear to lacquerProvenance: Viennese private collection