What materials were traditionally used for Burmese reclining Buddha statues?

Artisans primarily carved these figures from white marble and alabaster, though cast bronze and gilded teak wood were also widely used during the 19th century.

How can a marble Buddha sculpture be styled in a modern interior?

Place the sculpture on a low console table or sideboard against a neutral backdrop to create a sculpted focal point that complements contemporary minimalism.

How should antique marble sculptures be cleaned and preserved?

Dust the stone regularly using a dry microfibre cloth. Avoid acidic cleaning products, chemical solvents, or harsh detergents that can etch natural marble.

for sale €5,265 $5,715

£4,500

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Antique 19thc Burmese White Marble Reclining Buddha – Mandalay Period Temple Statue (49cm)

Name: Antique 19thc Burmese White Marble Reclining Buddha – Mandalay Period Temple Statue (49cm)
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1192219
Price: 4500 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Sandbanks Antiques

Description

Antique 19thC Burmese White Marble Reclining Buddha – Mandalay Period Temple Statue (49cm)

For your consideration is a magnificent hand-carved white marble statue of a Reclining Buddha, originating from the Mandalay Period (c. 1880–1900) of Myanmar (Burma).

This significant piece depicts the Buddha in the Mahaparinirvana pose—his final moments of earthly existence before entering Nirvana. Carved from a single, solid block white marble, this is a heavy, substantial temple-grade artifact that embodies the serene aesthetic of late 19th-century Burmese art.

Artistry & Style

The Pose: The Buddha is shown reclining on his right side, head supported by a high bolster. The posture is balanced and graceful, characteristic of authentic temple commissions.

Facial Features: He features the classic Mandalay style—a youthful, calm countenance with a broad forehead, downcast eyes, and a serene, meditative smile.

Robes & Detailing: The sanghati (robe) is carved with intricate, flowing pleats and a distinctive "V-neck" fold.

Material: Carved from high-density, slightly translucent white marble. The stone has developed a beautiful, authentic grey-yellow patina consistent with over a century of age and temple use.

Condition & Provenance

Dimensions: Approximately 49 cm in length.

Weight: Extremely heavy; solid stone throughout.

Condition: Excellent antique condition. It retains original hand-painted black pigment on the eyes. No major chips or repairs are visible, preserving its historical integrity.

Historical Note: The size and weight suggest this was likely a central shrine piece from a local temple or a significant family altar.

Shipping & Handling

Due to the extreme weight and fragile nature of the marble collection is preferred.

This piece can be professionally packed to ensure safe arrival, shipping charges apply

Declaration

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Burmese Marble Buddha Statue to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1192219

Description

Antique 19thC Burmese White Marble Reclining Buddha – Mandalay Period Temple Statue (49cm)

“

For your consideration is a magnificent hand-carved white marble statue of a Reclining Buddha, originating from the Mandalay Period (c.

Sandbanks Antiques

1880–1900) of Myanmar (Burma).

fig 1. A 19th-century Burmese white marble sculpture depicting a reclining Buddha resting his head on his hand. — fig 1. Antique 19thc Burmese White Marble Reclining Buddha – Mandalay Period Temple Statue (49cm)

This significant piece depicts the Buddha in the Mahaparinirvana pose—his final moments of earthly existence before entering Nirvana. Carved from a single, solid block white marble, this is a heavy, substantial temple-grade artifact that embodies the serene aesthetic of late 19th-century Burmese art.

fig 2. A 19th-century Burmese white marble sculpture depicting a reclining Buddha resting his head on his hand. — fig 2. Antique 19thc Burmese White Marble Reclining Buddha – Mandalay Period Temple Statue (49cm)

Artistry & Style

The Pose: The Buddha is shown reclining on his right side, head supported by a high bolster. The posture is balanced and graceful, characteristic of authentic temple commissions.

Facial Features: He features the classic Mandalay style—a youthful, calm countenance with a broad forehead, downcast eyes, and a serene, meditative smile.

fig 3. A 19th-century Burmese white marble sculpture depicting a reclining Buddha resting his head on his hand. — fig 3. Antique 19thc Burmese White Marble Reclining Buddha – Mandalay Period Temple Statue (49cm)

Robes & Detailing: The sanghati (robe) is carved with intricate, flowing pleats and a distinctive "V-neck" fold.

Material: Carved from high-density, slightly translucent white marble. The stone has developed a beautiful, authentic grey-yellow patina consistent with over a century of age and temple use.

fig 4. A 19th-century Burmese white marble sculpture depicting a reclining Buddha resting his head on his hand. — fig 4. Antique 19thc Burmese White Marble Reclining Buddha – Mandalay Period Temple Statue (49cm)

Condition & Provenance

Dimensions: Approximately 49 cm in length.

Weight: Extremely heavy; solid stone throughout.

Condition: Excellent antique condition. It retains original hand-painted black pigment on the eyes. No major chips or repairs are visible, preserving its historical integrity.

fig 5. A 19th-century Burmese white marble sculpture depicting a reclining Buddha resting his head on his hand. — fig 5. Antique 19thc Burmese White Marble Reclining Buddha – Mandalay Period Temple Statue (49cm)

Historical Note: The size and weight suggest this was likely a central shrine piece from a local temple or a significant family altar.

Shipping & Handling

Due to the extreme weight and fragile nature of the marble collection is preferred.

This piece can be professionally packed to ensure safe arrival, shipping charges apply

Date of Manufacture

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Burmese Marble Buddha Statue to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1192219

About the Dealer

Sandbanks Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2025

Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page

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A 19th-century Burmese white marble sculpture depicting a reclining Buddha resting his head on his hand.

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Antique 19thc Burmese White Marble Reclining Buddha – Mandalay Period Temple Statue (49cm)

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A 19th-century Burmese white marble sculpture depicting a reclining Buddha resting his head on his hand. View II

Archive III

A 19th-century Burmese white marble sculpture depicting a reclining Buddha resting his head on his hand. View III

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A 19th-century Burmese white marble sculpture depicting a reclining Buddha resting his head on his hand. View IV

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A 19th-century Burmese white marble sculpture depicting a reclining Buddha resting his head on his hand. View V

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A 19th-century Burmese white marble sculpture depicting a reclining Buddha resting his head on his hand. View VI

Archive VII

A 19th-century Burmese white marble sculpture depicting a reclining Buddha resting his head on his hand. View VII

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A 19th-century Burmese white marble sculpture depicting a reclining Buddha resting his head on his hand. View VIII

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A 19th-century Burmese white marble sculpture depicting a reclining Buddha resting his head on his hand. View IX

Archive X

A 19th-century Burmese white marble sculpture depicting a reclining Buddha resting his head on his hand. View X

Archive XI

A 19th-century Burmese white marble sculpture depicting a reclining Buddha resting his head on his hand. View XI

Mandalay period Buddha statues typically feature naturalistic facial expressions, fluid drapery with soft folds, and are sculpted predominantly from white marble or alabaster native to Burma.

Authentic pieces display subtle hand-chisel marks, soft patination consistent with age, balanced proportions, and traditional Burmese stylistic details along the monastic robes.

Sandbanks Antiques

Antique 19thc Burmese White Marble Reclining Buddha – Mandalay Period Temple Statue (49cm)

Sandbanks Antiques

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Antique 19thc Burmese White Marble Reclining Buddha – Mandalay Period Temple Statue (49cm)

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FAQs

What defines a 19th-century Mandalay period Buddha statue?

What materials were traditionally used for Burmese reclining Buddha statues?

How can authentic 19th-century Burmese marble sculptures be identified?

How can a marble Buddha sculpture be styled in a modern interior?

How should antique marble sculptures be cleaned and preserved?

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

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