Bronze Burmese Buddha, 17th century Ava Period. Sitting on a high double lotus throne in bhumisprasha mudra, with original soft smooth patina and remains of black lacquer. During the Ava Period there were fewer contacts with India and consequently several particular Burmese styles evolved. In Burma Buddhist statues are subject to strict iconographical rules and regulations according to accepted Theravada Buddhist practice. Images of Gautama Buddha appear clothed in unadorned monk's robes with his hair in small curls and his body devoid of jewellery. The robe is close to the body in the covering mode and mysteriously transparant, suggesting the spiritual power emanating from the Buddha. The long and slender fingers and toes of equal lenght, the long earlobes, the flame or lotus bud on top of the Ushnisha and the faint smile with contemplative expression ( in some images this feature seem exstremely child-like, this curious coutenance is explained by the Burmese as a way of indicating that the Buddha manifested the purity of an infant) are some of the 80 characteristics marks of the Buddha and accentuate the supernatural anatomy of a heavenly creature. Send with UPS insurance. Certificate available.