Thai Rattanakosin Lacquered and Gilt Bronze Figure of Buddha

Rattanakosin Kingdom, late 19th century, Bangkok, Thailand.

Charming Thai Rattanakosin Period lacquered and gilt cast bronze figure of the Buddha dressed as a prince, wearing long monastic robes and elaborate jewel encrusted necklaces. Over his dressing gown, he wears the regalia of Thai kings, with a heavy cape, diamond shaped pectoral, and a winged crown upon his head, all with studded designs in high relief, imitating heavy embroidery. It is decorated with leaping flame (kranok) elements, for example such elements leap from the knees, from the ears, and from the shoulders. Buddha sits in heroic posture (virasana). He holds his alms bowl in his hands, reminding us of the merits we earn by giving alms to the needy.

The face showing a meditative expression with downcast eyes, arched eyebrows, and a subtle smile, flanked by long earlobes, the hair tightly arranged in small spikes. A tall and narrow spire shaped finial tops the ushnisha rising from the top of his head. Most Buddha images have a cranial protuberance but as with the case with the example here, those of the second-half of the nineteenth century sometimes lack them. This practice arose in the reign of King Rama IV (1851-1868) during which the Kingdom became more exposed to European influence and there was an attempt to humanize the Buddha. Instead of the protuberance, there is a spired crown.

The buddha sits upon a high, stepped, three tiered trapezoidal platform. The top tier with a draped frontal "cloth". The back of the platform with two loops to hold a canopy, now missing. Red and black lacquer decoration. Hollow cast in one piece. Age-related wear. Good condition. Heavy wear to gilding. Beautiful patina. Size approx. 19,5cm x 12,5cm x 6,2cm. 

Provenance: Swedish private collection