Walking Buddha. Gilded Bronze Sculpture. Siam (thailand). 19th Century

An expressive figure of the walking Buddha in gilded bronze, created in Siam (present-day Thailand) in the 19th century. The sculpture depicts the Buddha in the act of walking, a characteristic feature of Thai art, symbolizing the spread of the Teachings, spiritual progress, and unceasing compassion toward all living beings. The left hand is raised in the abhaya mudra, a symbol of fearlessness, protection, blessing, and inner peace. The right arm hangs naturally at the side, accentuating the impression of fluid forward movement.

The figure is distinguished by its slender proportions, elongated silhouette, and refined modeling—characteristics of Siamese Buddhist sculpture from the Rattanakosin period. The face features gently idealized features and a meditative expression imbued with serenity, crowned by the traditional flame-shaped ushnisha, a symbol of Enlightenment. The folds of the monastic robe are rendered with restraint and emphasize the rhythm of the movement. Traces of the original gilding preserve the work’s nobility and historical character.

The sculpture is now mounted on a black-painted wooden base added later, ensuring its stability during display and harmoniously complementing the composition. The total height, including the base, is 28.5 cm.

Markings: Unmarked.

Dimensions: Height 28.5 cm. Width 9 cm.

Condition: Good condition. A crack is visible in the lower part of the figure, near the base. The surface shows natural signs of age, partial loss of gilding, and moderate wear consistent with the object’s period of creation and historical use.

Provenance: Siam (present-day Thailand), 19th century.

ID-ANTQ-5967