AN EXTREMELY RARE JADE BUDDHA
Myanmar, 14th century. Superbly carved from a single piece of neatly polished green Burma jade with a sand-colored inclusion, used by the lapidary to visually separate the base from the statue. Buddha is seated in lalitasana with bhumisparsha mudra, calling mother earth a witness to his enlightenment.

Provenance: From an old British collection, by repute acquired in Myanmar during the first half of the 20th century. Thence by descent in the same family. Remnants of an old collector’s paper label to front of base, bearing an illegible inscription written in brown ink.
Condition: Extensive weathering and wear, minor dents, nicks and several losses as visible on the images in the catalogue and online at www.zacke. at. Overall fine condition, especially when considering the age of this statue. The patina with its unctuous surface is beyond compare!

Weight: 1406 grams
Dimensions: Height 20.8 cm

The full and round shoulders as well as the dhoti, which wraps around the left arm, point to a distant Himalayan influence, especially with the hem draped over the left shoulder, coming to an end in the shape of a simplified swallow’s tail. Opposed to that, the domed ushnisha with a burning flame on top and the oversized ears, irregular setting of eyelids and flattened nose are stylistic elements typical of Burmese statues from the period.