Measurements: Height: 35.5 cm Width: 24.5 cm Depth: 18.5 cm Weight: 8230

PROVENANCE: From The Collections of Mike and Annie Gaither, US Navy 1959-1982.
With a sense of duty for his country Mike joined the US Navy in 1959 the idea was to see the world and obtain an education that would propel his future. The opportunity to become part of the submarine fleet was compelling and once involved it became his career path of choice. In 1964 he married his lifelong partner Annie Nix. And to this day they are still happily married.
While in the Navy he specialized in communication and electronic repair and was able to obtain the rank of Radioman Chief Petty Officer during his time in the service he supervised crews of up to 25 in high speed communications, repair and records and Department Chief coordinating 8 repair divisions. Analyzing commands to discover systemic difficulties and training to resolve difficulties. Additional fields include intercultural and race relations, Drug and Alcohol training.
With a long career in the Navy his desire to visit many foreign countries was fulfilled.
His desire to be a leader in the open markets directed his path into the pastoral leadership where he was able to train and work with people in Italy Guam Saipan, Northern Marianas Islands, Republic of Palau, with visits to such countries Germany, and Asian Countries. With the opportunity to be in such places also provided the knowledge and ability to obtain collectables from the area. Reaching a point where one feels that it is time to downsize and realign their assets this has opened the door for others to add these items into their private collection. The quality is exceptional, pristine and highly sought after.

IMPORTANT VERY FINE GILT BRONZE WITH SEMI PRECIOUS STONES INLAID SEATED BUDDHA FIGURE OF RATNASAMBHAVA
MING DYNASTY PERIOD (1368-1644) AND OF THE PERIOD

The Figure is seated in 'dhyanasana' on a double-pedestal base. Decorated in front with a gilded demi-florette. Long shawl is draped over the arms and broad ribbons cascade to the shoulders from the crown. There is extensive gilding remaining. Adorned with many attractive silks and jewels. Wearing the characteristic pointed hat and the eyes and lips are painted naturalistically. The hands gesture in Abhaya in Sanskrit means fearlessness. Thus this mudra symbolizes protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear. It is made with the right hand raised to shoulder height, the arm crooked, the palm of the hand facing outward, and the fingers upright and joined. The left hand hangs down at the side of the body. Dressed in elaborately robes, fall in curved diagonal folds. The upper pedestal decorated with turquoise inlaid above numerous Buddha figures in various gestures in relief. Array of Tibetan characters carved on the lower pedestal. Ming Dynasty Period and of the period.

Over all in EXCELLENT Condition.
The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. LAUREN GALLERIES Galleries shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.