Country Group: South and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam)

Item id: 568

One of my very best: this is an early 19th century Shan Buddha with Mandalay influence. It is carved from one piece of or hardwood (probably teak). It is exquisitely carved and is in very good condition. It was collected 35 years ago by a man who was living in SE Asia and who worked for Air America (i.e. the CIA). I recently bought a large part of his estate, which included several early rain drums, many bronze statues, early ceramics, and several other wonderful items. This was one of the largest and finest statues in the group (along with an incredible 17/18thC large bronze walking Thai Buddha which I will be listing shortly). The only reason I am listing the large ones at this point is lack of space, as I truly love them. Over the past several years I've seen a number or related pieces at auction and in high end shops both in this country and in Asia. None have been quite as good as this one, as the pieces of this quality disappeared off the market decades ago. This piece is a full 38.5 inches tall not including the modern attached base. There are some age splits, chipping, and loss to the lacquer and ornamentation, as there is on virtually all of this type that you will see. There are no major losses or repairs that I can see. A large and beautiful one of a kind authentic Buddha.