Burmese Shakyamuni seated Buddha in bronze, 19th century.

• This Burmese image of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, makes a gesture known as bhumisparsha-mudra, or “taking the earth as witness*”. Made in lost-wax bronze, the work dates from the mid-19th century, late Konbaung period, Mandalay period (1853-1948).
• The craftsman paid particular attention to the expression of serenity and compassion, notably through the use of shells (probably cowrie shells) for the eyes.
  Provenance:Estate of art collector and dealer Claude de Marteau.
• Sold with certificate of origin.
• Find out more about the life and works of Claude de Marteau? https://www.thecdmcollection.be
• H 38 cm x W 32 cm x D 19 cm

*The posture refers to an important event in the Buddha’s life. While he was meditating under the Bodhi tree and just before attaining enlightenment, Mara the demon arrived accompanied by his armies and his three beautiful daughters. Mara’s armies attacked the Buddha, while his beautiful daughters tried to distract and seduce the Buddha, preventing him from meditating and attaining enlightenment.

The future Buddha touched the Earth with his right hand, calling Mother Earth to witness his success in overcoming lust, material wealth and temptation (The 3 Daughters of Mara) and thus attaining enlightenment.

Mara the demon represents the opposite of Buddhist teachings. The demon tries to lure people into sin and temptation, to interest them in worldly and material things that last only a short time, as opposed to spiritual things that last forever.