Buddha. Burma, 18th century

Buddha. Burma, 18th century.
Gilded bronze.
With hanging beads.
Maroon velvet upholstered pedestal.
It shows signs of use, wear and some lack of polychrome.
Measurements: 70 x 50 x 27 cm (figure); 10 cm (height pedestal).

Round sculpture in gilded bronze, from Burma (now Myanmar) and dated from the eighteenth century. It represents Buddha seated in lotus flower position, with several "lakshana", iconographic symbols that identify Buddhas and bodhisattvas. Above the headdress, a flame symbolizes the light of enlightenment. The eyelids are a symbol of spiritual concentration and purity, due to their similarity to the petals of the lotus, and complete a serene face with a sketched smile, symbol of the balance and serenity of a perfect being. The elongated earlobes allude to the large earrings worn by members of the upper classes, and represent the concepts of greatness, nobility and wisdom.