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Ava Bronze Head of Buddha, 15th Century browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Southeast Asian:Metalwork: Pre 1700: item # 164750 Please refer to our stock # 40-84 when inquiring.
Silk Road Gallery PO Box 2175 Branford, Connecticut 06405, USA (203) 208-0771 Guest Book $950 |
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| Still bearing very slight traces of gold leaf, this small 15th century bronze head of Buddha is from Burma's Ava Period (1287-1752). It most likely was commissioned and donated by a family as an act of merit, and was buried under a stupa for centuries. The Burmese of the time were skilled metalworkers. When a bronze Buddha image was cast, even a small one such as this, astrologers were called in to name the most auspicious day and hour for the casting, and monks cleansed the site of evil spirits. Smelting began nine days before the casting, sculptors dressed in white directed the process and the excitement of crowds of onlookers built. On completion, the image was believed to have a life of its own. It was washed, perfumed and thereafter treated with great reverence. This piece has typical Ava features. The broad forehead tapers to a small chin, and a narrow band separates the hair from the face. The filial is in the onion-shaped Ava style. It is in good condition, missing only the lower portion of one ear, and the bronze is aged to a rich green patina. It is mounted on a wood stand and is removable. Dimensions with stand: height 7" (18 cm), width 2" (5 cm) depth 2" (5 cm). Dimensions of head: 3 1/4" (8 cm), width 2" (5 cm), depth 2" (5 cm). | ||||||||||
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