18th-19th Century Burmese-Khmer Style Pha Ngan Ancient Buddha

An ancient Pha Ngan Buddha from a Burmese Buddhist temple. Estimated to be from the 18th-19th century (Having handled artifacts for many years... it's better to conservatively estimate lower). Bronze alloy. The sealed earth at the base is intact. Total height is 7 cm. The originally most valuable inlaid gemstones in the eyes have been removed. Later generations have replaced them with modern alloy beads. ************************** Burma is a region where Theravada Buddhism spread. It subsequently passed to Thailand and surrounding Southeast Asian countries. Many Buddhist sacred objects in Southeast Asia are inherited from Burma. This bronze Pha Ngan Buddha statue has a unique form, differing from the commonly seen Pha Ngan Buddha style in Thailand. It lacks the curled hair or headdress. Instead, it wears a crown commonly seen on Khmer Buddha images. Burma originally had dragon and snake worship. After Buddhism was introduced, influenced by Buddhism, Naga (dragon) worship formed. This Pha Ngan Buddha is depicted in meditation atop a coiled cobra king. The style aligns with the Burmese dragon and snake beliefs. In Burma, the primary purpose for ordinary people to worship Pha Ngan Buddhas, much like devotees in Thailand, is generally to seek benefits related to popularity and wealth.