Southeast Asia, Thailand, Ayutthaya Kingdom, ca. 16th to 17th century CE. A beautiful example of a life-sized brass hand of Buddha in the traditional Abhaya Mudra, the gesture of protection with fingers extended and held together as the hand points upwards. The cylindrical wrist indicates this hand was placed in the wrist of a large statue of Buddha at one time. The nail beds are meticulously formed, the fingertips just slightly offset, and the entire composition is covered in remains of glinting gilt; fine layers of green, brown, and russet patina envelop the remaining surface areas. Buddhist hand symbols are often presented in specific styles to represent different aspects of Buddha and Buddhist values. This gesture is also called "Gesture of Fearlessness" or "blessing" or "fearless mudra." Size: 4.125" L x 3.375" W x 8.75" H (10.5 cm x 8.6 cm x 22.2 cm); 11.625" H (29.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1960 to 2000

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#171696

Chipping to patina layers and remaining gilt, with several small spalls and nicks, and encrustations in scattered areas. Great patina and remains of gilt. Curved arm of display stand is adhered within wrist cavity and cannot be removed.