BUDDHA ENTERING PARINIRVANA

BRONZE

MANDALAY STYLE

19th CENTURY (Circa1890)

68.5 cm l x 25.5 cm h x 20.2 cm w / 27”l x 14”h x 8”w

DESCRIPTION: Buddha entering Parinirvana: The iconography of the reclining Buddha represents the Buddha on his mahdaparinivana, the great and final extinction from the cycles of rebirths. The Buddha is at rest; the slender body wears monk’s garments; the folds of the robe flow over each other. The left hand toys with the thigh; the right arm supports the upper body. The meditative facial expression emphasized by the half-closed eyes which look downward and the dignified repose of the body seek to call to mind the last moments of life.

Characteristic of the Mandalay style of the Alaugpaya-Dynasty (1752-1885) are the headband with its jewel, or glass inlay, the net-like hair cap with small dots indicating curls and the usnisa without the flame (rasmi).