Bagan Terracotta Buddhist votive tablets - 11 cm
02
days
12
hours
23
minutes
32
seconds
Current bid
€ 65
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 400 - € 500
 | €65 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €60 | |
| €55 | |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 142460 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Two votive Buddhist tablets in terracotta from Pagan (Bagan), 9th–13th century, with a grey-beige tablet 11 × 12 × 3 cm and an ochre tablet 9.3 × 9.5 × 4.5 cm, from the Pagan tradition, original authenticity, acquired in 2025 from a private collection in Belgium; provenance Kanaka The Collection, Portugal.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Fragmentary ensemble of two Buddhist votive tablets
Myanmar
Pagan (Bagan) period, 9th – 13th century
Clay
Dimensions:
Grey tablet: 11 × 12 × 3 cm
Ochre-orange tablet: 9.3 × 9.5 × 4.5 cm
Pair of two votive Buddhist tablets in terracotta, belonging to the artistic tradition developed in the kingdom of Pagan (Bagan), an important religious and cultural center of medieval Burma.
These two fragments present an iconographic composition of particular interest, based on the multiplication of small representations of the Buddha arranged in superposed registers, following a principle of devotional repetition characteristic of Buddhist votive art.
The first tablet, grey-beige in hue, preserves a relatively complete composition, organized around a central Buddha of larger dimensions, seated in meditation under an architecturally arched poly-lobed niche. This principal figure is surrounded by secondary representations, also seated on lotus bases, distributed symmetrically over several levels. The various figures display elongated silhouettes, oval faces and attitudes of the earth-touching gesture. Fine beaded borders and vegetal decorative elements cadence the composition, testifying to the refinement of religious productions of the Pagan period.
The second tablet, ochre-reddish in color, constitutes a fragment of a comparable composition. It preserves several representations of the Buddha distributed over two registers, each installed on a small pedestal. Some figures are framed by discreetly modeled niches, while a vertical beaded border underscores the architectural organization of the ensemble.
At the base of the lower register appears a short inscription in ancient characters, presumably related to medieval Burmese writing.
During the Pagan period, the production of terracotta votive tablets saw significant development, in parallel with the rise of Theravada Buddhism and the construction of numerous temples, stupas and monasteries in the Bagan plains. Generally made from molded matrices, these tablets could be produced in series and deposited in foundations, sacred cavities, or the interior structures of religious monuments. Their fabrication participated in a meritorious practice, the multiplication of images of the Buddha constituting an act of devotion intended to accumulate spiritual merits.
Condition: The two tablets show surface wear consistent with their archaeological nature, including ancient deposits, earthy incrustations and partial erosion of molded details. The remaining representations remain legible enough to appreciate the original iconographic organization. Fragmentary state.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Sent with UPS and insurance
Seller's Story
Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia.
With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest.
Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions.
We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google TranslateFragmentary ensemble of two Buddhist votive tablets
Myanmar
Pagan (Bagan) period, 9th – 13th century
Clay
Dimensions:
Grey tablet: 11 × 12 × 3 cm
Ochre-orange tablet: 9.3 × 9.5 × 4.5 cm
Pair of two votive Buddhist tablets in terracotta, belonging to the artistic tradition developed in the kingdom of Pagan (Bagan), an important religious and cultural center of medieval Burma.
These two fragments present an iconographic composition of particular interest, based on the multiplication of small representations of the Buddha arranged in superposed registers, following a principle of devotional repetition characteristic of Buddhist votive art.
The first tablet, grey-beige in hue, preserves a relatively complete composition, organized around a central Buddha of larger dimensions, seated in meditation under an architecturally arched poly-lobed niche. This principal figure is surrounded by secondary representations, also seated on lotus bases, distributed symmetrically over several levels. The various figures display elongated silhouettes, oval faces and attitudes of the earth-touching gesture. Fine beaded borders and vegetal decorative elements cadence the composition, testifying to the refinement of religious productions of the Pagan period.
The second tablet, ochre-reddish in color, constitutes a fragment of a comparable composition. It preserves several representations of the Buddha distributed over two registers, each installed on a small pedestal. Some figures are framed by discreetly modeled niches, while a vertical beaded border underscores the architectural organization of the ensemble.
At the base of the lower register appears a short inscription in ancient characters, presumably related to medieval Burmese writing.
During the Pagan period, the production of terracotta votive tablets saw significant development, in parallel with the rise of Theravada Buddhism and the construction of numerous temples, stupas and monasteries in the Bagan plains. Generally made from molded matrices, these tablets could be produced in series and deposited in foundations, sacred cavities, or the interior structures of religious monuments. Their fabrication participated in a meritorious practice, the multiplication of images of the Buddha constituting an act of devotion intended to accumulate spiritual merits.
Condition: The two tablets show surface wear consistent with their archaeological nature, including ancient deposits, earthy incrustations and partial erosion of molded details. The remaining representations remain legible enough to appreciate the original iconographic organization. Fragmentary state.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Sent with UPS and insurance
Seller's Story
Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia.
With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest.
Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions.
We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Bagan
Century/timeframe
9-13th c.
Name of object
Buddhist votive tablets
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
11 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1987
Width
12 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Depth
3 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
