256 - Lacquered and gilded bronze Buddha, Thailand (Lanna style), 18th century

Lacquered and gilded bronze Buddha, Thailand (Lanna style), 18th century Depicted seated in the vajrāsana posture on a triangular base with rounded corners and double recesses, adorned with a frieze of lotus petals, the Buddha is shown in the Earth-Touching Mudra (bhūmisparśa mudrā), with the right hand lowered toward the ground while the left rests, palm facing upward, on the crossed legs. The serene face features half-closed eyes, arched eyebrows meeting above a straight nose, a finely drawn mouth, and long earlobes. The hair is rendered in small, even curls and topped by an ushnisha crowned with a flame. The monastic robe (uttarāsaṅga) reveals the right shoulder and falls in a wide drape over the left shoulder, while hugging the body. The sculpture retains significant traces of gilding on an ancient black lacquer. The underside, which remains open, reveals the cast iron core. Height: 26.5 cm Wear on the gilding and lacquer; old patina with surface oxidation and soiling; minor chips and signs of wear from use.