Wood - Myanmar - 20th century

Kneeling polychromed wooden figure from Myanmar (Burma), 20th century

Characterful hand-carved and polychrome-painted wooden figure from Myanmar (Burma), presumably from the first half to the middle of the 20th century.

The figure depicts a kneeling human figure with tied-up hair, a slender body shape, and traditional clothing. Because of the posture and design, it is likely a figure from a religious or devotional context, possibly representing a monk, novice, or a person in service. It is not a Buddha representation.

Particularly striking is the old paint layer in light blue, white, red, and black. Across the entire surface there are clear, irregular signs of aging and use. The strong partial paint wear reveals the underlying wood at numerous spots, giving the figure a pronounced, authentically aged patina.

The craftsmanship is especially visible on the underside. There one can see the original woodwork, cut and tool marks, and the construction from different wood elements.

Origin: Myanmar (Burma), private collection
Material: hand-carved wood, polychromed
Dating: 20th century, presumably from the first half to the middle of the century
Height: ca. 38 cm
Width: ca. 26 cm
Depth: ca. 22 cm
Weight: ca. 640 g

Condition: In keeping with its age, with noticeable signs of wear and aging. Extensive wear and loss of the original paint layer, minor cracks and damage to the wood, as well as losses or damage to the hands/fingers and to the lower wood elements. On the underside are visible aging traces and clearly visible constructive or older worked areas. I am not aware of any recent restorations.

All aging traces, damage, surface texture, and the underside are documented in the numerous close-up photographs and are expressly part of the condition description.

A striking, older Southeast Asian wooden sculpture with a decorative, strongly aged original effect