An exceptional and serene Thai bronze figure of the seated Shakyamuni Buddha, originating from the early kingdom of Ayutthaya (Thailand), a pivotal era in which Thai Buddhist sculpture reached new heights of elegance and spiritual expression, fusing the grace of Sukhothai with the emerging sophistication of Ayutthaya.
The Buddha is depicted in a classic meditative posture (dhyana or bhumisparsha mudra), with his hands resting calmly in his lap, embodying profound tranquility and enlightenment. The head is crowned with the distinctive tall, tiered ushnisha terminating in a striking flame-shaped pinnacle (ketumala or rasmi) – an iconic Thai innovation symbolizing the radiant flame of awakened wisdom, influenced by Sinhalese and Sukhothai traditions and fully developed in early Ayutthaya works.
The oval face is exquisitely serene, with softly closed eyes, a subtle compassionate smile, elongated earlobes and refined features that convey a timeless inner peace. The monastic robe (sanghati) drapes softly with thin folds, made using the traditional lost wax technique. The figure rests on a simple oval base, typical of intimate devotional bronzes produced for temples or private worship in this period.
The surface retains a magnificent, completely original and naturally aged patina: deep blackish brown to almost ebony tones, enriched with subtle blue-green verdigris accents and fine mineral deposits that formed organically, exposure to incense and devotional handling. In particular, faint traces of the original mercury fire gilding remain visible on protected areas (such as the folds of the robe, the ushnisha and the high points), while centuries of wear have naturally worn away much of the gold leaf, revealing the warm bronze beneath and contributing to the rich layered patina. This authentic and intact oxidation, without modern interventions, Thai bronzes and highlights the exceptional age and provenance of the piece.
Origin:
Formerly in a European private collection; purchased in the 1920s on the antiques market in Vienna (Austria). The object has been in Europe for several decades.
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SILVER Seller in Slovenia, Slovenia
