Rare Antique Thai Gilt Bronze Emaciated Buddha Rattanakosin Buddhist Temple

A Thai, Rattnakosin style, bronze figure of the emaciated Buddha both hands in dhyanamudra, seated in vajrasana. The base with two figures of kneeling monks flanking three rectangular plinths for offerings.

Images of the Emaciated Buddha are rare in Thai bronze sculpture. When Prince Siddharta renounced all worldly possessions, he meditated and endured many hardships in order to attain Enlightenment. During a period of time he allowed himself only one grain of rice per day in order to purify his body and rid himself of worldly temptations. Reaching near starvation, he realised the need of the middle path exercising moderation, and he reached Enlightenment shortly thereafter.

Before the 18th century, Emaciated Buddha images were unique to Gandhara. Thai artists of the Rattanakosin period (1782-1932) revived this dramatic Theravadan subject. Today, similar large images of Emaciated Buddha are displayed publically in Thai Buddhist temples, such as the Wat Umong in Chiang Mai,and in Bangkok's celebrated Wat Benchamabophit that was established by King Rama V in 1899. In the gallery there are 52 Buddha statues in different styles and Mudras, collected by his son Prince Damrong. Among these are an outstanding bronze casting of the great Gandhara fasting Buddha in the Lahore Museum.

Very occasionally figures of the emaciated Buddha are offered by the major auction houses and there are examples in temples in Thailand; this is an opportunity that does not present itself often. I have been dealing in Asian antiques for 50 years and this is the first I have had the pleasure of offering for sale.

Period - 19th century

Condition - Good condition - wear of the gilding proportional to age.

Measurement - Height 21 cm Width 21 cm

SOLD WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY

It is possible to pay in installments.

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