A PAIR OF BRONZE FIGURES OF SARIPUTRA AND MAUDGALYAYANA, SHAN STATE
Burma, 18th-19th century. Each disciple kneeling on a lotus bloom rising from an elegantly curved stem, the hands clasped together in anjali mudra, the serene face with almond-shaped downcast eyes below gently arched brows, flanked by elongated earlobes.


Provenance:
French trade.

Condition:
Very good condition with minor wear and casting flaws, signs of weathering and erosion, encrustations, minuscule nicks, light scratches. The fine, naturally grown patina with malachite and cuprite encrustations.

Weight: 1,349 g (excl. stand) and 1,268 g (excl. stand)
Dimensions: Height 33.3 cm (excl. stand) and 33.8 cm (excl. stand)

Each figure with an associated metal stand. (4)


In Burma, two disciples traditionally flank important representations of the Buddha
. Their presence is historically inaccurate, considering all the Buddha’s friends deserted him at the time of his enlightenment. However, it reflects a traditional Burmese Buddhist belief that the faith was introduced into Burma by two of his disciples during the Buddha’s lifetime. These two disciples begin to appear as early as the 11th century A.D. and can be identified as two of the chief disciples, Maudgalyayana and Sariputra. Here, the two are depicted in their traditional representation: seated in poses of quiet contemplation. They wear simple robes consistent with the monastic order. They are always depicted slightly smaller than the Buddha in order to reveal their status as disciples. Together, they represent an aspect of Buddhist art unique to Burma.


Sariputra and Maudgalyayana
were the Buddha’s chief male disciples. Traditional accounts say they became spiritual wanderers in their youth. After having searched for spiritual truth for a while, they heard the Buddhist teaching through verses that had become widely known in the Buddhist world. Eventually they met the Buddha himself and were ordained as monks under him. Sariputra was considered the wisest of all Buddha’s disciples. Both disciples became teachers, and Maudgalyayana became known for his psychic powers which he taught to his pupils.


Literature comparison:

Compare a related bronze triad of the buddha with Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, 36 cm high, dated to the 19th century, in the British Museum, registration number 1939,0120.1