A SILVER REPOUSSÉ FIGURE OF BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI, AYUTTHAYA STYLE

A SILVER REPOUSSÉ FIGURE OF BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI, AYUTTHAYA STYLE Thailand, 19th century. Finely chased and embossed, seated in dhyanasana atop a triangular lotus pedestal supported by a multi-tiered base with a central brocade hanging halfway down the obverse. Holding his right hand in bhumisparsha mudra and his left in dhyana mudra, wearing a finely ring-punched robe and a floral sash. His serene face with almond-shaped eyes and full lips, and his hair arranged in tight curls surrounding a pointed ketumala. The base reveals the bitumen core of the sculpture. The reverse is incised with six lines of inscription. Provenance: From a private collection in Germany. Condition: Good condition with wear, casting flaws, some losses exposing the bitumen core, minor dents, and small nicks. The ears possibly replaced. Weight: 742.7 g Dimensions: Height 20.6 cm Expert’s Note: This pristinely modeled Buddha was fashioned from a sheet of silver, using the repoussé embossing technique, neatly modeled above an ancient resin or bitumen core. The style is typical of the last phase of Khmer art (9th-15th centuries), the Lopburi style, which combines characteristics of both Cambodian and Thai sculptural schools. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Galerie Zacke, Vienna, 28 January 2022, lot 1329 Price: EUR 8,364 or approx. EUR 9,600 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A 24-carat gold repoussé figure of Buddha Shakyamuni, Ayutthaya style Expert remark: Compare the closely related style, repoussé technique, and bitumen core. Note the different material and the related size (19 cm).