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Buddha

Burmese Buddha, c.1890, alabaster, paint, wood, glass, 78 x 45 x 45cm, Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program

Burmese Buddha, c.1890, alabaster, paint, wood, glass, 78 x 45 x 45cm, Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Anthony Renshaw, 2009

Nothing is lost in the universe – Buddha

Sitting peacefully, at the top of MRAG’s grand marble staircase is a serene Burmese Buddha. The Buddha sits patiently, waiting to greet those seeking ‘enlightenment’ in the art gallery.

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, Asian paintings and the ornate Temple Doors that can be seen close by, 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 19th 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 is once more on display to be viewed by new audiences, thanks to the generosity of another.

Cheryl Farrell
Collection Management Curator, MRAG

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  • Gallery Details

    Art Gallery & Shop Trading Hours
    Tuesday – Sunday, 10.00am – 5.00pm

    Address 230 High Street,
    PO Box 220 Maitland NSW 2320
    Phone 02 4934 9859
    Email artgallery@nullmaitland.nsw.gov.au

    Café Seraphine
    Tuesday – Sunday, 8.00am – 3.00pm
    Phone
    02 4934 7264

    We acknowledge the Wonnarua People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land upon which MRAG stands.

  • Maitland City Council Maitland City Council
    Maitland Regional Art Gallery is a service of Maitland City Council and is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
  • Visit Us
    • How to get here
    • Café
    • Shop
    • Venue hire
  • Exhibitions
    • Current & Future Exhibitions
    • Touring Exhibitions
    • Past Exhibitions
    • The Art Factory
    • Exhibition proposals
  • What’s On
    • All Events
    • For Adults
    • For Kids
    • Past Events
  • MRAG from Home
    • See: at home
    • Make: at home
    • Do: at home
  • Learn
    • Creative Learning
    • Schools
    • Collection
  • Support Us
    • Become a member
    • MRAGM committee
    • Artel magazine
    • MRAG volunteers
    • Sponsors, Patrons, Partners & Donors
  • About
    • History
    • Staff Contacts
    • Awards
    • #mymaitland
    • Using this website
  • Feedback
  • Join our e-lists
  • Become a member

© Maitland Regional Art Gallery 2021