Votive tablet - Sculpture - Myanmar/Burma





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Terracotta votive tablet from Myanmar, over 200 years old, unsigned, in good condition, dimensions 5.5 cm wide, 8 cm high and 1.7 cm deep, sold with stand.
Description from the seller
Buddha votive amulet
Kingdom of Ava
Myanmar
Terracotta, lacquer and gold
8 cm in height excluding the base
12.5 cm height with the base
Rare votive amulet depicting the Buddha seated, calling the earth to witness. The figure is backed by a triangular mandorla that frames the entire image, accentuating its sacred and protective character.
Made of terracotta coated with dark-brown lacquer and gilding, this small image belongs to the tradition. These amulets were produced in large numbers to be placed in the foundations of temples, in stupas, or kept as objects of private devotion. They were regarded as bearers of spiritual merit and protection.
The style is characteristic of old Burmese productions with a broad, serene face, half-closed eyes, a discreet mouth, strong shoulders and compact volumes. Despite the simplicity of execution, the figure retains a strong presence thanks to its ample modeling and the frontal nature of the composition. The base is adorned with a frieze of stylized petals, evoking the lotus pedestal on which the Buddha traditionally rests.
Condition:
The surface shows substantial traces of red/orange lacquer and antique gilding, today greatly worn. Large areas where the terracotta reappears, natural cracks and loss of material attest to the object's age as well as its prolonged devotional use. This wear gives the piece a particularly authentic and expressive patina.
Object mounted on a black base.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insured
Seller's Story
Buddha votive amulet
Kingdom of Ava
Myanmar
Terracotta, lacquer and gold
8 cm in height excluding the base
12.5 cm height with the base
Rare votive amulet depicting the Buddha seated, calling the earth to witness. The figure is backed by a triangular mandorla that frames the entire image, accentuating its sacred and protective character.
Made of terracotta coated with dark-brown lacquer and gilding, this small image belongs to the tradition. These amulets were produced in large numbers to be placed in the foundations of temples, in stupas, or kept as objects of private devotion. They were regarded as bearers of spiritual merit and protection.
The style is characteristic of old Burmese productions with a broad, serene face, half-closed eyes, a discreet mouth, strong shoulders and compact volumes. Despite the simplicity of execution, the figure retains a strong presence thanks to its ample modeling and the frontal nature of the composition. The base is adorned with a frieze of stylized petals, evoking the lotus pedestal on which the Buddha traditionally rests.
Condition:
The surface shows substantial traces of red/orange lacquer and antique gilding, today greatly worn. Large areas where the terracotta reappears, natural cracks and loss of material attest to the object's age as well as its prolonged devotional use. This wear gives the piece a particularly authentic and expressive patina.
Object mounted on a black base.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insured

