Pair of Burmese monks, 18th century.Polychrome wood and fine gold gilding.They show faults in the polychromy and in the gilding. Wear and tear due to use and the passage of time.Measurements: 50 x 25 x 35.5 cm (the largest).Pair of sculptures made entirely in carved wood, with red polychromy on the base and fine gold gilding on the whole body, representing two monks in a praying attitude. Originally, both pieces were placed in front of the figure of a Siddhartha Gautama (or Buddha), which is no longer preserved. Both figures have similar physical characteristics, with shaven hair and finely delineated eyebrows. Their sketched smiles, a symbol of balance and serenity, reflect theirplacent attitude, in the service of the Buddha, while the elongated lobes allude to wisdom. Both pieces continue the Eastern Burmese aesthetic, which has always been strongly influenced by Buddhism and Hindu myths. The carving of the wood, with its attention to detail, both in the faces and in the costumes, is particularly noteworthy. Verymon in Burmese society, as monastic society represents a large part of the Buddhist following in the nation, statues of monks used to be displayed on the walls of many monasteries and nunneries in Burma. The statues of these monks used to be carved to offer prayers and respect to the Buddha.Dimensions: 50 x 25 x 35,5 cm (the largest).