Antique Gilt Bronze Buddha - Rare He Looks Pregnant!

Most unusual gilt bronze depicting the Buddha seated in Dhyana mudra with a large distended belly. I have not seen this image before. Bronze with black lacquer and gilding. His origins are North Thailand or Laos and was made in or before the eighteenth century. The gilding is worn as one would expect from a votive sculpture of this age. It needs a small piece of patafix to make him sit up straight.

The Dhyana mudra is the mudra of meditation, of
concentration on the Good law, and of the attainment of
spiritual perfection. According to tradition, this mudra
derives from the one assumed by the Buddha when
meditating under the pipal tree before his Enlightenment.
This gesture was also adopted since time immemorial, by
yogis during their meditation and concentration exercises.
It indicates the perfect balance of thought, rest of the
senses, and tranquillity.

 Measurement - Height 7 cm.

Condition -  The gilding is worn as one would expect from a votive sculpture of this age. It needs a small piece of patafix to make him sit up straight.

Age - C18th or before.