Khmer Empire, 12th-13th century. Well cast seated cross-legged with one foot over the other, his hands lowered in dhyana mudra on his lap, dressed in a short sampot tied high at the waist with a butterfly fold to the back. His serene face with almond-shaped eyes, wavy mustache, and full lips forming a benevolent smile, flanked by elongated earlobes adorned with pendeloque earrings. The hair smooth at the base and rising to rows of curls over the high ushnisha topped by a jewel.

Provenance: From the collection of Rene Ronveaux (d. 1991), Belgium, probably acquired in the Luxembourg or Belgian trade during the 1980s, and thence by descent to Robert Ronveaux (b. 1955). A copy of a provenance statement, written and signed by Robert Ronveaux, dated 11 September 2023, confirming the above, accompanies this lot.
Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, casting flaws, tiny nicks, small losses, minor dents, encrustations. The bronze with a superb, naturally grown patina with extensive and vibrant encrustations of azurite and malachite.

Weight: 1,145.2 g
Dimensions: Height 16.2 cm

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's New York, 21 March 2015, lot 1070
Price: USD 20,000 or approx. EUR 24,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A bronze figure of Buddha, Khmer, Angkor period, Bayon style, 13th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and manner of casting with similar vibrant blue-green encrustations. Note the closely related size (16.5 cm).