Burmese Buddha Throne, Palin, Gilt and Embellished Wood, Mandalay Period, 19th c

The impressive throne structure in two parts, the main shrine, and the tall, stepped pagoda roof. Crafted of wood, lacquered, gilt, and embellished with mirrored and colored glass, and intricate scrolling ornamentation.

The main section is formed as a two tiered stepped platform. The front of the lower tier decorated with an overlapping fish scale pattern in gilt raised lacquer and embellished with red glass “jewels”. The front of the smaller upper tier is decorated with mirrored glass and embellished with a central boss of raised gilt lacquer with a red glass “jewel” to the center.

The opening of the shrine features an elaborate surround of raised gilt lacquer scrollwork against a mirrored and colored glass ground. The lintel with further, even more elaborate foliate scrollwork. A near hidden peacock, the symbol of Burmese royalty, graces the underside of the lintel.

The elaborate scrolling foliate work is continued up the tiered and stepped roof of the pavilion. The roof of five tiers, with mirrored sides and overhanging eaves decorated in gilt raised lacquer and embellished with dense gilt lacquer foliate scrolls, rising up like licking flames.

The elaborate scroll work crafted in thayo lacquer on a tin frame. The tin provides the base and shape of the decoration. A lacquer putty made from lacquer and ash is placed on top, carved and incised, and finally richly gilt.

This structure would originally have housed an image of the Buddha. Although the Buddha renounced his royal titles and status early in his life, he is still venerated as a royal figure, especially in Southeast Asia, where they dress him as a royal figure as a reminder of the Buddha’s supremacy of the spiritual realm.