"Sculpture – Royal Buddha Statue In Abhaya Mudrā – Gilded Bronze – Rattanakosin – Kingdom Of Siam"
Second half of the 19th century Thailand (former Kingdom of Siam) – Rattanakosin Style Private collection – Paris Votive figure in finely chiseled and gilded bronze, representing a standing Buddha, in a frontal attitude, feet together on a stylized lotus-shaped base. The right arm is raised, palm open forward, in the gesture of Abhayamudrā, a symbol of appeasement and protection. The left arm is lowered, hand open. This posture, both solemn and reassuring, is part of the royal iconography of the Rattanakosin style, in use in the Kingdom of Siam during the second half of the 19th century, under the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868–1910). The sculpture displays all the attributes of the adorned Buddha, depicted according to a court aesthetic: a multi-tiered conical headdress, angular shoulder wings, and a ceremonial costume finely decorated with beaded and floral motifs. This type of representation is not historical but idealized: the Buddha is here assimilated to a sacred sovereign, bearer of transcendent authority. This is a formal language specific to Thai Theravāda Buddhism, where visual pomp does not contradict spiritual depth, but manifests it. The ancient cast, made using the traditional lost-wax technique, is hollow at the base, with remnants of the original clay. The gilding, still visible over large areas, is partially chipped, revealing a beautiful natural patina of brown, gold, and verdigris. Some accidents are to be noted: small snag on the end of the headdress, wear on the fingers, small surface gaps, as well as a visible crack at the level of one foot, without affecting the stability of the piece. The whole remains perfectly balanced and structurally sound. This sculpture was intended for ritual use, probably on a domestic altar or in a secondary monastic space. It is part of a tradition of popular sacred art, both codified and embodied, where each trace of wear becomes a sign of spiritual life. Dimensions: Height: 19 cm ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY!