Antique Shan State Jambupati Buddha Image

Description

Antique Shan (Tai Yai) Jambupati Buddha Image, wood, lacquer and gold leaf, Konbaung Empire (1752-1885)
- a crowned style that displays Northern Thai iconography merged with the aesthetic of Burmese rule in the region. The figure is depicted in the popular Theravada seated position of
padmasana
, (interlocking legs position) and the hand mudra in
bhumisparsa
(earth touching) wherein the feet are souls  up, the fingers of the right hand extend beyond the right shin and the left hand palm up resting above the lap. Remnants of the leaf-like
kirita
crown remain.  The image is dressed in Burmese royal costume with
thayo
rolled lacquer relief decoration modeled into cuffs, epaulettes, knee pads and a detailed “U” shaped necklace covering the chest. There is also a lappet of clothing between the legs draping down toward the base. The figure is seated upon a tall and waisted throne pedestal having rows of lotus petal grooves on the diagonal portions . The  base and body are carved from one solid piece of hard wood. All covered in black lacquer with
thayo
lacquer details, red pigment for the lips and gold leaf overall.
The Jambupati style Buddha illustrates the tale of the Buddha’s life when he came across the arrogant King Jambupati, a king who terrorized his subjects and who lacked humility and compassion for his people. The Buddha on meeting the King asked that he forsake his evil ways and instead practice kindness to his fellow man. Ignoring the Buddha’s request, the King continued to terrorize the people. The Buddha then in his efforts to change the King of his evil ways, one day magically appeared to him in resplendent royal attire. King Jambupati was in awe of the Buddha’s appearance prostrated himself in obeisance and from that day onward accepted the Buddhist precepts. In Southeast Asian countries like Burma, where rulers have very high if not semi-divine status, tales of this type, reinforced the need for the leader to worship the Buddha, the King of Kings.
Condition: Heavy deterioration of the underside of the base as well as the interior portion of the crown, other losses include crown flanges, the crown spire, earrings, the tip of the left thumb, one base corner edge,
thayo
lacquer losses and general wear of the gold leaf surface, all commensurate with age and wear.
Measuring: 22.25 in. high x 8.75 in. wide x 7.75 in. deep (56.5cm x 22.2cm x 29.7cm).
Weight: 10.8 lbs.
Age: Late 18th century.