Standing Buddha

MYANMAR

This life-size figure was carved from a single block of wood. The large usnisa and the band framing the forehead are inlaid with gems. The face is oval with thin features, offset by the unnaturally elongated earlobes that fall to the shoulders. The monastic robe covers both shoulders and has a highly decorative jeweled hem. The falling folds of the robe are depicted in careful detail. The long slender fingers are of equal length and the arms extend to either side of the body. A medicinal fruit is held between the thumb and third finger of the right hand, while the left hand holds out the lower hem of the robe; a gesture unique to Myanmar statues.