Seated Medicine Buddha

Seated Medicine Buddha

18th century

Bronze with a chocolate-brown patina

H35xW17cm

Provenance: Belgian private collection

This finely cast bronze image depicts the Medicine Buddha, Bhaisajyaguru, seated in meditation on a double-lotus pedestal.

Buddha is seated in dhyanasana, his left hand in meditation mudra, resting in his lap, holding a bowl filled with medicinal nectar. His right hand rests on his knee, palm facing outwards, in the blessing mudra. The Buddha holds the bitter and medicinal myrobalan fruit, with medicinal properties, between the thumb and index finger. The Buddha as healer is an old and widespread concept, the historical Buddha is also recorded as having received a myrobalan from the god Indra after his Enlightenment.  This representation of Bhaisajyaguru embodies the ideal of compassion through healing, a central theme in Buddhist practice across Southeast Asia.

With eyes half-closed in contemplation and gracefully arched brows, the face radiates a tranquil introspection. The smooth modelling of the robe, which falls in soft elaborate folds over the shoulders and knees, reflects the refined craftsmanship of this bronze sculpture.    

The Buddha is seated on a well-proportioned sharply waisted lotus throne. The top of the Buddha’s head is framed by a bud-like jewel.

The rich, chocolate-colored patina enhances the sculpture’s warmth and depth. This piece is in a very good condition, despite the missing lower part of the throne.

References:

Fraser-Lu S.& D.M. Stadtner, Buddhist art of Myanmar, Asia Society Museum, 2015

Somkiart Lopetcharat, Myanmar Buddha: The image and its history, Siam International Books Company, 2007