Southeast Asia, Thailand, Ayutthaya Kingdom, ca. 18th century CE. A tranquil depiction of Buddha, solid-cast from brass and shown standing with both palms turned outward in the varada mudra - the gesture of giving, and humbly dressed in an unadorned robe that clings to the subtle curves of his body. Crowned by a short coiffure of tight coils and a conical ushnisha, his heavy-lidded eyes gaze downward from beneath an elegantly arching brow and a teardrop-shaped urna, symbolizing his third eye and ability to see past our mundane universe of suffering and into the divine world. His serene visage features a broad nose and full, closed lips, flanked by his pendulous earlobes that fall to his shoulders, relics from the days before he cast off earthly possessions to pursue enlightenment and adorned his ears with heavy lavish jewels. Size: 7.6" W x 21.3" H (19.3 cm x 54.1 cm); 26.3" H (66.8 cm) on included custom stand.

The divine figure stands with bare feet upon an integral plinth with 2 extending tangs beneath, likely to securely place him in a religious shrine for veneration.

The Ayutthaya Kingdom had one of the most prosperous capitals in the world, with numerous foreign powers clamoring to trade with the "Kingdom of Siam." During this time, Ayutthaya furthered its vigorous cultural program, culminating in the highest concentration of Buddhist art perhaps anywhere in the world. The air of Ayutthayaís prosperity and strength is reflected in this example, which employs symmetry to convey majesty and inner fortitude. His overall simplicity of silhouette and tranquil countenance are also designed to emphasize the supreme consciousness that the Buddha embodies in this form, as opposed to prompting the viewer to focus on the mortality of the historical Buddha.

Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010

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#177482

Some nicks and abrasions commensurate with age, but otherwise intact and in excellent condition with nice remaining detail and rich patina.