Antique Buddha: Burmese bronze Buddha preaching the first sermon, 18th-19th Century

Burmese bronze Buddha preaching the first sermon, 18th-19th Century

Burmese Shan (Tai-Yai) seated Buddha preaching the first sermon in the deer park at Benares to a group of 5 monks (the panacavagyiyas), whom the Buddha joined when setting off on his quest for enlightenment. In addition there is a 6th seated demigod figure (possibly one king of the four kings of the regions of the universe?)

As is typical of this type of art, the left hand of the Buddha rests in the lap in deep contemplation of the future Buddha (dyhana mudra) and the right hand points to the earth to call the earth goddess to witness. The Buddha sits beneath a blossoming Bodhi tree.

This is a lovely example of Burmese Shan (Tai-Yai) miniature art and is a complete set - which is very hard to find now as most sets are found only in part.

For similar examples please see Myanmar Buddha, the image and its history by Somkiart Lopetcharat and Burmese Buddhist Sculpture, the Johan Moger Collection by Otto Karow.

Dimensions:
12cm high x 8cm wide x 7.5cm deep

Date:
18th-19th Century