Southeast Asia, Laos, ca. 19th century CE. A magnificent and massive hand-carved wood figure of the Buddha, standing tall atop a circular, tri-tiered plinth and adorned with black paint and lustrous gilding. The stylized divinity presents a large head atop a slender body with lengthy arms that hang from round shoulders, as his sizeable hands lay to either side of his straight legs, extending all the way past his knees. His tranquil visage is comprised of huge, downcast eyes beneath a gracefully arched brow, a naturalistic nose, and bowed lips, all capped by tight coils of hair and a tall, tapered ushnisha that rises from the center of his head. A pair of lengthy ears - a representation of his divinity - flank his head. An elaborate robe covers his legs, decorated with an abstract design, and supported by a thick, intricately carved belt, while his upper body is wrapped in prayer beads and petite shoes protect his feet. His body is further adorned by several bracelets, armbands, necklaces, and anklets. Size: 13.25" L x 10" W x 66.25" H (33.7 cm x 25.4 cm x 168.3 cm)

Lao Buddhist art follows a carefully set, stylized template, with the Buddha always posed in particular mudras and his monastic robe always carved in one of two ways, either in covering mode, draping over both shoulders, or, as here, in open mode, where the right shoulder and chest are left uncovered. The robe is meant to be a representation of the Buddha's humility. Lao artisans were expected to be in a spiritual state as they carved, allowing them to channel the qualities of the Buddha in their artwork. As a result, each piece, despite its template, has a certain individuality that is at the discretion of the artist, here shown in features of the face and the elaborate throne.

Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection; ex-Indochine Gallery, Boulder, Colorado, USA

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#164047

Losses to base. Left arm reattached. Repair to upper part of right arm. Expected nicks, chips, and abrasions throughout, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice remains of gilding.