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

Item id: 9883

9th–10th Century Burmese Bronze Buddha, Large Transitional Pre-Pagan Masterpiece. This exceptional 9th–10th Century Burmese bronze Buddha is a rare transitional masterpiece from the pre-Pagan period, displaying unmistakable stylistic echoes of the late Pyu tradition—most notably the separately and solidly cast head, a hallmark of very early Burmese bronze casting. The figure is unusually large for its type, measuring 7.25 inches high, 5.25 inches wide, and 3.125 inches deep, with a weight of 3.16 lbs (1.435 kg). The proportions are striking, especially the large, expressive hands, which lend the sculpture both strength and profound spiritual presence.



The Buddha’s face is truly beautiful—serene, calm, and radiating a deep equanimity that is rarely found in early Burmese bronzes. The piece carries an extraordinary sense of stillness and inner life. In more than 35 years of collecting and dealing, I have not encountered another example from this early period that approaches its quality, refinement, and emotional depth. A long-held personal favorite, this sculpture is extremely rare, deeply spiritual, and unquestionably museum worthy.