Buddha - Burma - Shan - Myanmar

TITLE

Southeast Asian gilt bronze Buddha, Shan / Northern Thai tradition, 19th–early 20th century, earth-touching gesture, solid cast

DESCRIPTION

A finely cast Southeast Asian gilt bronze figure of the Buddha, seated in bhumisparsha mudra (earth-touching gesture), associated with the moment of enlightenment. The figure displays strong regional characteristics of the Shan States / Northern Thai tradition, including the elegant flame finial, tightly arranged hair curls, elongated earlobes, and a softly modeled face with a composed, inward expression.

The Buddha is seated in meditation on a tiered base, with the right hand extended to touch the earth and the left hand held open in a gesture of offering or repose. The robe is rendered with incised linear detailing flowing diagonally across the torso, consistent with traditional workshop production rather than later decorative casting.

The sculpture is solid and has weight, with a naturally worn gilt surface showing age-related rubbing and oxidation, particularly around the ushnisha and high points. The underside reveals rough, sand-cast texture and open casting characteristics, confirming traditional production methods rather than modern factory manufacture.

The base is integral to the casting, with stepped geometric form and repeating border motifs. Surface wear, minor abrasions, and age-related marks are present throughout, consistent with devotional handling and time.

A strong and authentic example of a traditional Southeast Asian Buddha image, with clear presence and honest casting.

Conditions of Sale

By placing a bid, the buyer enters into a binding contract and agrees to the following terms:

1. Shipment, Delivery & Risk

Delivery obligations are fulfilled upon transfer of the lot to a professional carrier for shipment to the address provided through the Catawiki platform. Official carrier tracking records, including delivery confirmation, delivery attempts, customs notifications, and status updates, constitute conclusive evidence of shipment and delivery progress. Risk transfers to the buyer upon dispatch. Claims of non-receipt that contradict carrier tracking confirmation will not invalidate the transaction.

2. Customs, Refusal & Contract Termination

All import duties, VAT, customs clearance fees, brokerage charges, and related governmental assessments are solely the buyer’s responsibility. Refusal to accept delivery for any reason — including refusal to pay customs duties or import charges — constitutes:

• Voluntary refusal of performance
• Material breach of contract
• Immediate termination of the sale in favor of the seller

In such cases, the seller reserves the right to:

• Request full payment release from Catawiki
• Recover all return shipping fees, storage fees, administrative charges, carrier penalties, and related costs
• Apply a reasonable restocking fee where permitted
• Decline any obligation to reship the lot

Returned parcels caused by refusal, non-payment of customs, failure to collect, or incorrect address remain entirely at the buyer’s risk and expense.

3. Condition & Description

All lots are sold “as is” and “as photographed.”

Photographs form part of the description and accurately represent visible condition at the time of listing.

Age-related wear, patina, oxidation, glaze variation, craquelure, firing marks, surface irregularities, minor losses, restorations, manufacturing variations, and material inconsistencies are inherent characteristics of antique, vintage, and collectible objects across all categories and do not constitute defects. The absence of reference to condition issues does not imply perfect condition. No warranty is made that any lot is free from restoration, repair, alteration, or replacement unless expressly stated in writing.

4. Attribution & Opinion

Any statement regarding age, origin, period, maker, material, cultural attribution, or historical context reflects informed opinion based on experience and research. Such statements are not guarantees or warranties. Differences in scholarly opinion, stylistic interpretation, market reassessment, or third-party evaluation do not constitute grounds for cancellation, dispute, or refund.

5. We pride ourselves on taking the time to pack well, however that does not reduce the risk of damage or breakage to absolute zero. Bidding is with this in mind.

By bidding, the buyer acknowledges full acceptance of these Conditions of Sale.