Seated Bronze Buddha With Fine Silver Sheet Inlay

SEATED BUDDHA IN BRONZE WITH FINE SILVER INLAY

Laos, circa 1820–1860

An important sculpture depicting the Buddha seated in vajrāsana on a circular, two-tiered pedestal adorned with lotus petals. The right hand touches the ground in the bhūmisparśa-mudrā, the gesture of Enlightenment, while the left hand rests open in the meditation gesture.

The serene face features balanced features, half-closed eyes, and a subtle smile. The elongated ears frame hair composed of spiral curls in relief, topped by a uṣṇīṣa with a flamed tip.

The sanghāti, draped over the left shoulder, is covered with a thin sheet of silver that has been applied and then finely engraved with a design of lozenges and stylized floral motifs. Scrollwork friezes highlight the edges of the garment. A few small areas where the sheet metal is missing or has lifted should be noted.

The base features a row of deeply molded lotus petals, punctuated by raised medallions, some of which are also silver-plated. Its band bears an inscription in Devanagari script repeating the Buddhist formula *Ye dharmā hetuprabhavā*, relating to conditioned arising and traditionally used in a ritual context.

An attached plate seals the base. An element of consecration appears to remain inside.

Dimensions: height 31 cm; width 21 cm; depth 15 cm.