177 - SRI LANGKA BUDDHA

SRI LANGKA BUDDHA Dimensions: Height 21,2 cm Wide 16 cm Depth 11 cm Weight: 2429 grams A substantial seated Buddha from Sri Lanka, shown cross-legged in meditation on a broad pedestal. The figure is immediately distinguished by the flame-like finial rising above the tight curls of the hair, the elongated earlobes and the calm, gently smiling face. The robe passes diagonally across the torso and is covered with fine, repetitive wavy lines that continue over the folded legs, creating a rich textile-like surface against the smoother exposed shoulder and face. Warm gilded and copper-brown tones are interrupted by areas of green oxidation, while red accents remain in several details. The compact symmetry of the pose gives the image a strong sense of inward concentration. Sri Lankan Buddhist sculpture developed its own highly recognisable visual language within the Theravada tradition, balancing idealised calm with decorative treatment of robe, pedestal and flame finial. The Buddha is not presented as a distant supernatural being so much as the perfected teacher in meditation, an image intended to focus the viewer on stillness, discipline and awakening. Particularly attractive here is the contrast between the carefully patterned robe and the visibly aged metal surface. Wear, oxidation and surviving colour have created a complex patina that records the long material life of the sculpture rather than masking it. The inscribed or script-like band around the front of the pedestal adds another layer of interest, making this a visually distinctive Sri Lankan bronze Buddha with both devotional presence and strong surface character.