Imposing Bronze Buddha Statue, Rattanakosin.

This life-size gilt bronze Buddha statue dates from the Rattanakosin period (1782-1932) in Thailand. Seated in the lotus position (Padmasana), with his hands in the meditation mudra (dhyana mudra), the Buddha displays a peaceful face, with deeply incised eyelids and a delicately marked urna in the center of his forehead. His hair, in small, regular curls, and the slender usnisha add to the grace of the sculpture. On the soles of his feet are the 108 auspicious marks (lakshana) as well as the wheel of Dharma, symbolizing the virtues and the perfect, pure, and timeless teaching of the Buddha. This element is frequently encountered in high-quality images. The gilding, although partially faded, reveals the dark verdigris patina of the bronze beneath other vestiges of black lacquer. Typical of the art of the Rattanakosin period, also known as Bangkok, this work was probably intended for a temple, for an important religious occasion or offered in order to accumulate spiritual merit. This act of generosity and devotion is directly part of the quest to improve karma… Provenance: Succession Claude de Marteau Sold with certificate of provenance. H 104 CM X W 38 CM X L 73 CM. Estimated weight: Approximately 100 kg