dry lacquer with gold leaf
height: 45 cm

This large head of the Buddha is a fine example of later Burmese art of the Ava period, 18th century.

Whereas dry lacquer was used for sculptures in China and Japan from as early as the 10th century for reasons referred to below there are no early records of its use in Burma. Furthermore, the use of dry lacquer is not evident in other South East countries therefore Burma being unique in following on from long established sculptural traditions of East Asia.

Dry lacquer was frequently used as a sculptural material in China and Japan being an alternative to wood which readily succumbed to damage from insects, water and fire. Due to its lightness such statues could easily be transferred and carried to safety in instances of fire.

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