88 - SEATED FIGURE OF BUDDHA BRONZE LAOS 17TH CENTURY

SEATED FIGURE OF BUDDHA BRONZE LAOS 17TH CENTURY Dimensions: Height 26,5 cm Wide 20 cm Depth 11,5 cm Weight: 2142 grams A cast-bronze Buddha seated in vajrasana on a circular lotus pedestal with openwork scrolling ornament. The right hand extends over the knee in bhumisparsha mudra, calling the earth to witness, while the left rests in meditation in the lap. Elongated earlobes, a prominent ushnisha surmounted by a flame finial and the robe draped over the left shoulder define the figure's elegant, elongated silhouette. The earth-touching gesture recalls the decisive moment of the Buddha's enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree. It became a central image throughout Theravada Southeast Asia. In Lao sculpture, the flame above the ushnisha intensifies the idea of spiritual radiance, while the refined body and decorative base reflect the sophisticated bronze traditions associated with the Lan Xang cultural sphere. An extensive malachite-green patina covers much of the surface, settling into recesses and emphasising the age of the bronze.