Gilt Cast Bronze Buddha. Probably Korean.

Very rare Buddha in copper alloy (red brown bronze) thick and very heavy cast in one piece, hot gilded with mercury. The gilding is slightly greenish and very thick, it is gone in places as can be seen in the photo. The style is angular with facets (see the cheekbones in particular) and must correspond to a specific time or place. Below there are 2 incised Chinese characters. The hairstyle is left without gilding, no trace of pigment. He holds in his hand what seems to me to be the Buddhist wheel. Beautiful antique patina on the ungilded parts. I think it might be Korean around the 8th century. The appearance of the metal and the patina confirms a centuries-old bronze. Very interesting, powerful object with a lot of character. H: 118mm. Weight: 580 grams Good condition except one drilled hole.