We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha

early 20th century

Artists

Unknown Artist

Alternate image of Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha by
Alternate image of Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha by
Alternate image of Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha by
Alternate image of Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha by
Alternate image of Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha by
Alternate image of Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha by

  • Details

    Other Titles
    Mandalay-style Buddha in Bhumisparsa Mudra
    Shakyamuni Buddha
    Place where the work was made
    Myanmar
    Cultural origin
    Mandalay
    Date
    early 20th century
    Media category
    Sculpture
    Materials used
    marble
    Dimensions
    120.0 x 96 cm
    Credit
    Gift of Amber Johnston in memory of her father, Glen Johnston 2012. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    88.2012
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

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  • About

    This Buddha type is typical of Burmese Mandalay-style sculpture from the mid 19th century. It is seated in the earth-touching gesture ('bhumisparsa mudra'), which has been the most popular form in Burma since the late 13th century. Typical of Mandalay-style images, the figure is solid and heavy looking, with a calm face and a slight smile. The eyebrows are naturalistic, and the elongated ears, a reminder of the Buddha’s princely origins, touch the shoulders. A thick gold band separates the forehead from the small, tight hair curls, and the Buddha’s head is surmounted by a cranial bump called an 'ushnisha' that represents the Buddha’s wisdom. The large size and rounded shape of the 'ushnisha' indicate that the image dates to the early 20th century.

    Asian Art Department, AGNSW, February 2012.

  • Places

    Where the work was made

    Myanmar

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 2 exhibitions

  • Bibliography

    Referenced in 1 publication

    • Jackie Menzies, Look, 'Sydney's own buddha', pg. 50, Sydney, Nov 2012, 50 (colour illus.).

  • Provenance

    Schweppes family, 1920s, United Kingdom, donated to the Schweppes family in the early 1920s for the British Empire Exhibition in Wembley (opened 1924). The exhibition came to Australia in 1927.

    Luna Park, post 1939-1979, Milsons Point/Sydney/New South Wales/Australia

    Glen Johnston, 1979-2010, Sydney/New South Wales/Australia, purchased at auction.

    Amber Johnston, 2010-Feb 2012, Sydney/New South Wales/Australia, by descent. Donated to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 2012