This large statue presents a remarkably rich syncretic iconography, combining the attributes of the Crowned Buddha (Jambupati) with those of the Medicine Buddha. The Blessed One is depicted seated on a high pedestal in the form of a double lotus throne.
Unlike the most common Burmese representations, the scene does not depict the earth-touching gesture, but rather emphasizes a salvific and healing function. The right arm extends along the knee, the hand open forward in the gesture of wish-granting and generosity. Delicately held between the fingers is a myrobalan fruit, a sacred medicinal plant in the Buddhist tradition, renowned for its universal healing properties. The left hand rests at the centre of the lap, palm facing upward, supporting an offering vessel (or medicine pot) containing the nectar of longevity.
The work retains all the splendour of its royal ornamentation. The crown has a circular base decorated with a beaded frieze supporting tall, superbly chiselled lanceolate florets. The ensemble is surmounted by a very high, tapering finial (ushnisha), lending the sculpture an impressive sense of verticality. Large foliate ear pendants fall heavily onto the shoulders, echoing a festooned pectoral necklace from which strings of beads descend.
The lateral crown wings are among the defining features of the statuary of this period. These two imposing flame-like ornaments frame the deity, evoking both spiritual radiance and the architectural ornamentation of royal palace thrones.
With an exceptional height of 56 cm, this bronze demonstrates remarkable technical mastery. In Burma, representations on this scale were predominantly executed in lacquered wood or marble. Bronze castings of this size, particularly with such finely rendered detail, remain extremely rare.
The exceptional character of this piece also lies in its remarkable state of completeness. The movable attributes are unfortunately missing (two adorants), but the projecting elements such as the crown finial and the lateral flame-like wings, which are particularly vulnerable to accidental damage over time are here miraculously preserved in their entirety.
This piece stands as a masterpiece of Burmese Buddhist sculpture, remarkable both for its monumental dimensions and for the rarity of its healing iconography expressed through royal imagery.
BU101
Crowned Buddha (Jambupati)
Late Ava period or early Konbaung period
Late 17th–18th century
Burma
Copper alloy
Height: 53 cm
Weight: approximately 6.5 kg
Good condition




