Burmese Artist, Worshipping Monk, 1800s, Gilded Bronze

Details

Description

Elegant representation of the worshipper Sāriputta, one of the two most popular Buddha worshippers in Burma. Mandalay period, 19th century.
… Read more Elegant representation of the worshipper Sāriputta, one of the two most popular Buddha worshippers in Burma. Mandalay period, 19th century.
Bronze, lacquer, and gilding
H 59 cm x D 45 cm x W 37 cm
Weight: 18.170 kg
Provenance: Estate of the Asian art collector and dealer Claude de Marteau
Sold with certificate of provenance.
Another example (nearly identical) is also available.
In Burma, bronze worshippers were made primarily for religious reasons. They served as a means of devotion and veneration of Buddhist figures, often placed in temples or home altars to accompany Buddha statues. These pieces reflected the spiritual fervor and refined craftsmanship of the time.

The posture of the hands is an important distinguishing feature. Sāriputta is often depicted with his hands resting on his knees or one hand resting on the ground. Here, the hands are placed more laterally and delicately, which could indicate a specific interpretation or regional difference.
The kneeling position with hands resting on his knees evokes representations of Buddha's disciples, likely Sāriputta, or even praying donors. The trapezoidal base adorned with a decorative cartouche is typical of Burmese statues of the late 19th century. These bronze worshippers were often offerings commissioned by worshippers to obtain spiritual merit, express their devotion, or in gratitude for granted wishes.
The cartouche at the base of the statue sometimes contained dedicatory inscriptions or blessings. In the Burmese context, it could also contain information about the donor, the artisan, or even prayers. This was a way to add a personal and spiritual dimension to the statue, reinforcing its role as an offering or meditation aid.
Worshippers were often placed in temples or home altars to accompany Buddha statues. These pieces reflected the spiritual fervor and refined craftsmanship of the time.

Among the ten principal disciples of Buddha, we find:

Mahā-Moggallāna, the most represented along with Sariputta in Burma. Known for his supernatural powers, he is often depicted with a serene and ascetic appearance, in a posture of meditation or worship, kneeling or standing, and dressed in monastic robes. His features are composed, and he may be accompanied by symbolic attributes such as a begging bowl. In some depictions, he is depicted with disciples, emphasizing his important role among the Buddha's principal disciples.

Ananda: Due to his exceptional memory, he is known as the Buddha's faithful attendant. He is often depicted in a humble posture, standing or kneeling, sometimes holding a monk's fan. His expression is generally gentle, and he is often placed next to the Buddha, symbolizing his role as confidant and first disciple.
Mahā-kāśyapa: Renowned for his rigorous asceticism, he is often depicted as an older monk, in a meditative or preaching posture. He is known to have presided over the first Buddhist council, and is sometimes depicted with a grave and meditative expression. See less