MRAG Maitland Regional Art Gallery

Nothing is lost in the universe – Buddha

Sitting peacefully, and somewhat incongruously, in a corner of the collection room is a serene Burmese Buddha. Secured in a protective crate and cloaked in not so holy robes of bubble-wrap, he sits patiently, waiting to be carried out into the public spaces of the gallery to be viewed once more by those seeking ‘enlightenment’.

This Buddha belongs to the small sub-collection within the MRAG Collection comprising of Asian artworks. Centuries old Chinese scrolls, ceramic funerary urns, terracotta Thai jars and Asian paintings have all found their way, over time and distance to MRAG – thanks to donations made by one of our generous benefactors.

This Buddha is from Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma) and was created in the late 19^th Century. He is made from Mandalay alabaster that has been gilt and lacquered and he is seated on a decorative lacquered wood base inlaid with appliquéd glass.

In Buddhist iconography every Buddha imparts a message by the way his hands are placed. Our Buddha has one hand resting gently in his lap, which is to remind us to seek peace within
ourselves. His right hand is touching the ground depicting the Buddha calling the earth to witness his good deeds in front of Mara (one of Buddha’s demons) and also interpreted as a sign of determination.

As in Buddha’s teachings ‘Nothing is lost in the universe’ and it is wonderful to know that this Buddha has not been lost, but will be seen again, and I look forward to presenting this Buddha to MRAG visitors soon.

Cheryl Farrell
Collection Curator, MRAG