Thai Shakyamuni Buddha In Gilded Bronze On Lacquer – Rattanakosin, 19th Century

This bronze Shakyamuni Buddha comes from Thailand and dates from the Rattanakosin period in the 19th century, around 1800–1870. Its form follows the Sukhothai tradition, with a slender torso, long arms, tight curls, and a flaming ushnisha, while the tiered pedestal affirms its Rattanakosin character.

Seated on a lotus base with a beaded border, he lowers his right hand in the Bhumisparsha mudra: the earth is called upon to bear witness to his enlightenment. The left hand rests, palm open, in his lap.

The bronze, a copper alloy, retains ancient gold leaf gilding applied over a dark lacquer base. The areas where the gilding is missing reveal these layers: this is not mercury-based gilding. The hollow cast, beneath the open base, shows remnants of the earthen or clay core, deposits, and localized blue-green oxidation.

In its original condition with wear on the lacquer and gilding, scratches, dark deposits, oxidation, and surface loss. Traces of the core remain; the surface has not been regilded or evened out.

Height: 36.5 cm. Width: 26.7 cm. Depth: 10 cm. Weight: 5.8 kg. Reference: 764.