Burmese Pagoda Relic - 18th-19th Century Niche-Style Buddha with宝帐 (Treasure Canopy) and Earth-Touching Mudra

A Buddha statue unearthed from a collapsed pagoda in the Mandalay region of Myanmar. The Buddha is depicted in the Earth-Touching Mudra (Bhumsparsha Mudra), symbolizing overcoming temptation. Above the Buddha, there is an indistinct form, likely a 宝帐 (Treasure Canopy), though it also bears resemblance to a 宝树 (Treasure Tree). The estimated age is between the 18th and 19th centuries (the antique dealer who brought it to Taiwan believed it to be even older...). However, after years of handling artifacts, it's prudent to conservatively estimate the age. This type of Buddha statue features a distinctive Burmese niche design. The total height is 12.89 cm. The exterior has undergone two cleanings. The first cleaning was done locally upon its retrieval from the pagoda in Myanmar, removing most of the hardened, cement-like soil adhering to the bronze Buddha. The second cleaning was performed after its arrival in Taiwan. However, some cement-like hardened soil remains within the niche.