Serene Devotion: A 19th-Century Mandalay Marble Statue of a Buddhist Disciple
This 81 cm marble sculpture of a Buddhist disciple originates from the golden age of Burmese Buddhist art — the Mandalay period (mid-to-late 19th century). Carved from high-quality Sagyin marble, the material most revered in Myanmar for its fine grain and luminous surface, this work reflects the religious devotion and subtle realism that characterized Mandalay’s sculptural aesthetic.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
The figure is shown seated in a traditional Burmese squat, with the feet tucked to the right and the right hand placed gently upon the lap. The left arm supports the body, a posture that implies both attentiveness and repose. Unlike the more formal meditation poses of the Buddha, this disciple figure communicates humility and alert presence — traits associated with devout followers or arhats in Buddhist monastic tradition.
The robes are modestly rendered, falling in soft, unembellished folds over the left shoulder. The absence of floral or symbolic motifs reflects a conscious aesthetic restraint, in keeping with the values of Theravāda Buddhist asceticism. The natural discoloration and slight surface wear contribute to its historical integrity, suggesting its age while maintaining overall exceptional condition.
Though the base has been removed — likely separated during excavation or temple dismantlement — the statue remains freestanding, with equal attention given to its reverse side. The presence of carving detail on the back affirms that this piece was once meant to be viewed in the round, possibly placed on a platform in a monastery or shrine hall.
The Mandalay period represents the final great flourishing of traditional Burmese sculpture before the advent of colonial influence. Artisans during this time focused on humanizing sacred forms, giving figures a softened, almost portrait-like presence. This statue exemplifies that transition — it radiates calm, devotion, and lifelike humanity while still rooted in sacred iconography.
Collector’s Notes
Marble statues of Buddhist disciples from the Mandalay period are far rarer than images of the Buddha himself, making this piece especially desirable to serious collectors of Southeast Asian Buddhist art. Its understated elegance, preserved physicality, and well-proportioned form would make it a centerpiece in any private gallery, meditation space, or museum context.
References:
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Original Buddhas. (n.d.). The art of carving marble stone Buddha statues in Burma. Retrieved from https://www.originalbuddhas.com/about-buddha-statues/marble-buddha-statuesoriginalbuddhas.com+5originalbuddhas.com+5originalbuddhas.com+5
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Burmese Buddhas. (n.d.). Mandalay Buddha statues. Retrieved from https://www.burmese-buddhas.com/burmese-buddha-statues/mandalay-buddha-statues/antiquebuddhastatues.gallery+3burmese-buddhas.com+3burmese-buddhas.com+3
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Michael Backman Ltd. (n.d.). Burmese Mandalay Painted & Gilded Marble Reclining Buddha. Retrieved from https://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/object/burmese-mandalay-marble-reclining-buddha/Michael Backman Ltd+1Michael Backman Ltd+1
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Indigo Antiques. (n.d.). Antique Standing Mandalay Buddha – Ca 1940. Retrieved from https://www.indigo-uk.com/products/gilded-mandalay-standing-buddha
Origin: Myanma
Period: Mandalay Period – 19th Century
PRODUCT DETAIL
Medium: Marble
Dimensions:
Height 81 cm
Length 15 cm
Wide 56 cm
Condition Report: Painted
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