Pegu Burmese Cast Bronze

Cast Bronze Image of a Mendicant

Figurines such as this example were bought by British administrators and their families in Burma as souvenirs and gifts for friends on their return home. As Sylvia Fraser Lu (1994, p. 143) says, some examples barely rise above tourist kitsch but others such as the shown here, with its sense of proportion, realism and attention to detail is a minor masterpieces of bronze casting.

This figure of what appears to be a wandering ascetic or mendicant wears a top-knot hair style and Buddhistic robes with the right shoulder exposed. he carries a walking staff in one hand and prayer beads in the other. His face is finely modelled with his brow furrowed with contemplation.

The figure is attached to its original wooden stand.

The stand and image are in fine condition and both have a fine patina consistent with a 1920s dating.

Fraser-Lu, S., Burmese Crafts: Past and Present, Oxford University Press, 1994.

UK art market