Thai Chiang Saen Lacquered and Gilt Bronze Figure of Buddha

18th or early 19th century, Chiang Saen, Northern Thailand.

Exceptional, small-sized lacquered and gilded bronze Chiang Saen-style Buddha is seated in vajraparyankasana on a simple base and an openwork pedestal decorated with traditional Thai pattern (thep phanom), wearing the monastic outer robe (sanghati) with a sash draped across the left shoulder. His right hand gesturing to the earth in the bhumisparsamudra position. The traditional posture, known as ”calling the earth to witness”, symbolizes the Buddha's enlightenment under the bodhi tree, when he summoned the earth goddess, Sthavara, to bear witness to his attainment of enlightenment. The right hand, placed upon the right knee in earth-pressing mudra, and complemented by the left hand, which is held flat in the lap in dhyanamudra of meditation, symbolizes the union of method and wisdom, samasara and nirvana. The face showing a meditative expression with downcast eyes and arched eyebrows. The lips turn up slightly at the corners. The prominent elongated earlobes reflect back to the days before his enlightenment, when he wore heavy earrings as the Indian Prince Siddhartha. The hair tightly arranged in small spikes covering the ushnisha and surmounted by a flame finial (ketumala).

Hollow cast in one piece. Age-related wear and minimal abrasion. Excellent condition. Wear to lacquer and gilding. Beautiful dark patina. Size approx. 15,5cm x 8,5cm x 4,8cm. 

Provenance: Finnish private collection