Shan laquer Buddha BU599
Gilded lacquer Buddha, in Bhumisparsha mudra (earth-touching gesture). Though this Buddha appears to be carved from solid wood, it is a hollow construction made from layers of thick red and black lacquer (a tree resin). The liquid lacquer was bulked with ash or rice paste and applied over a clay form, which was removed after the lacquer hardened. Its richly decorated surface was formed from thickened lacquer, covered in gold leaf, and then inlaid with tiny circular mirrors.
Shan style, North Eastern Burma.
Early 20th century.
42 cm high x 22 cm wide.