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70
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BRONZE STATUE OF BUDDHA SHĀKYAMUNI
See original version (French)
70
-
BRONZE STATUE OF BUDDHA SHĀKYAMUNI
See original version (French)
Estimate €6,000 - €7,000
Voluntary lot
Description
BRONZE STATUE OF BUDDHA SHĀKYAMUNI
Chiang Saen School – Early period
Northern Thailand, Chiang Saen region
Bronze with a brown patina, traces of lacquer and gilding
Height: 55 cm
Period: 15th–16th century
Style: Chiang Saen, early period
Description
An important and remarkable bronze Buddha depicted seated in meditation (dhyānāsana) on a double lotus-shaped plinth, his right hand lowered in the bhūmisparśa mudrā, the gesture of calling the Earth to witness.
The Blessed One has a face of great serenity, with half-closed eyes, gently arched eyebrows and a slight smile characteristic of the Chiang Saen school’s ideal of beauty.
His hair consists of small, regular curls, topped by an ushnīṣa in the shape of a rounded bud. His ears are long and drooping, whilst his neck is marked by several stylised folds.
His torso, which is particularly powerful and carefully modelled, is bare. The Buddha wears the monastic robe, the edge of which is indicated on the left shoulder and extends elegantly across the torso. The rendering of the body’s proportions—with broad shoulders, a relatively slender waist and powerful limbs—is one of the remarkable features of this sculpture.
The left hand rests in the lap in a meditative gesture, whilst the right hand falls naturally towards the knee.
The Buddha rests on a richly decorated lotus-shaped plinth, which in turn sits on an ancient polygonal base. The surface retains traces of lacquer and gilding, lending the piece as a whole a particularly interesting polychromatic effect.
Style
This work is characteristic of the early period of the Chiang Saen school in northern Thailand. This sculptural tradition is distinguished by its powerful, compact figures, their full modelling, their serene faces and the remarkable quality of the casting.
The bold treatment of the torso and the gentleness of the face perfectly illustrate the aesthetic of the Northern Thai Buddha.
Condition
In good overall condition considering its age. Wear and loss of polychromy, with significant traces of old lacquer and gilding. Some wear and minor surface alterations. Original plinth, an integral part of the ensemble, 55 cm.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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