Thai Artist, Late Ayutthaya to Early Rattanakosin Period Seated Buddha in Bhumisparsha and Dhyana Mudra, 18th Century, Metal

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Description

Seated Buddha in Bhumisparsha and Dhyana Mudra
Siam (Thailand), late Ayutthaya to early Rattanakosin period, 18th Century.

Bronze with dark, … Read more Seated Buddha in Bhumisparsha and Dhyana Mudra
Siam (Thailand), late Ayutthaya to early Rattanakosin period, 18th Century.

Bronze with dark, partly black patina and rich remains of the original fire gilding.
The Enlightened One seated in meditative posture (virasana) on a multi-tiered, finely crafted lotus throne with decorative pearl and lotus-petal borders. The right hand is in bhumisparsha-mudra (gesture of touching the earth), while the left hand rests in dhyana-mudra in the lap. The robe lies close to the body in fine, flowing folds and leaves the right shoulder bare (typical of Siamese iconography of this period).

The facial features are of great serenity and classical beauty: arched eyebrows, downcast eyes, finely modelled lips, and a slight, almost enigmatic smile. The hair consists of small, regular snail-shell curls (ushnisha) with a high, tapering crown and a separate flaming finial (rasmi), still showing traces of gilding.

Height 18cm, 760gram

Condition:
Very attractive, old dark-brown to black patina with strong remains of the original fire gilding in places, especially on the face, robe, and throne. Typical age- and use-related wear, minimal rubbing, no significant damage or visible repairs. The base original and untouched, with an old collector’s label from the 1960s/70s.

Provenance:
Old Central European private collection, acquired in the 1970s in the German art trade; thereafter in family ownership.

A particularly well-proportioned Buddha with clear iconography from this rare transitional period between Ayutthaya… See less