Antique Bronze Meditating Uthong Style Buddha Statue - Ayutthaya Influence

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Description

Antique Bronze Meditating Uthong Style Buddha Statue - Ayutthaya Influence (19th or 20th Century)

Exquisite Temple Relic from Thailand

Overview:

… Read more Antique Bronze Meditating Uthong Style Buddha Statue - Ayutthaya Influence (19th or 20th Century)

Exquisite Temple Relic from Thailand

Overview:

This rare and sacred bronze statue of the seated Buddha, crafted in the 19th to 20th century, embodies the elegance and serenity of Southeast Asian religious artistry. Rendered in traditional Uthong style with Ayutthaya influences, the statue represents the Sakyamuni Buddha in a meditative pose. Originally from a Thai temple, the piece stands at 21 inches tall and features detailed craftsmanship reflective of the era's skilled artisans.

Description:

The Buddha is depicted in a classic Uthong style, distinguished by its slender form, tall ushnisha (cranial protuberance), and flaming finial. He is seated in the 'Maravijaya' mudra, with the right hand resting on the knee and the left hand open on the lap, symbolizing enlightenment over worldly distractions. The hands in mudra, with the left hand resting palm open on his lap, while the right hand forms the Bhumisparsa mudra, or calling the Earth to witness the gesture. The Buddha is modeled with broad shoulders. Inflated chest with a narrow waist and the statue's posture is a Virasana pose, with one right leg atop the sole of the other left leg with a lotus flower on the bottom sole of both feet, and the long, diagonal robe reveals the right shoulder while covering the left. Detailed elements like the belt and thick robe edge exemplify the mastery of Uthong design.

The somewhat elongated head bares a serene face marked by an oval shape, delicately arched eyebrows, downcast eyes like lotus petals, and subtly smiling lips framed by an incised line, giving the face a profound meditative expression. The elongated earlobes frame the face, while the head is adorned with meticulously detailed snail shell hair curls and crowned by the ushnisha and flame finial. The base is crafted in an inward-curved, disk shape typical of Uthong Buddhas, featuring a distinct indented edge.

Craftsmanship:

This statue was cast using the ancient lost wax method, resulting in a single-piece structure encompassing the head, hands, arms, and finial. Its naturally aged, chocolate brown patina, with traces of green malachite oxidation, reflects its historic journey, further authenticated by small porosities from the original casting. The core is still intact, providing a glimpse into the period's casting technique.

Origin and Specifications:

Temple Origin: Thailand Temple District
Era: 19th-20th Century
Material: Bronze, lost-wax cast
Dimensions: Height: 21 inches x 12 1/2 inches Width x 7 inches Depth
Condition: Good condition, with minor imperfections from the original casting. · The Buddha has a beautiful verge-gris or antique green patina in some of the areas.

Provenance: Private Collection, Orange County, acquired prior to 1960.

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