Thai Rattanakosin Gilded Bronze Figure of Buddha

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

Elaborately decorated gilded bronze Buddha dressed as a prince wearing long monastic robes and elaborate jewel encrusted necklaces, the head surmounted by a crown similarly encrusted, seated in vajraparyankasana on an elaborate tiered throne. It is decorated with leaping flame (kranok) elements, for example such elements leap from the knees, from the ears, and from the shoulders. Buddha's both hands resting elegantly in dhyanamudra. 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. 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 humanise the Buddha. Instead of the protuberance, there is a spired crown. Hollow cast in one piece. Age-related wear. Good condition. Top part of high-tiered crown missing. Wear to gilding. Beautiful patina. Size approx. 10,4cm x 7,6cm x 3,1cm. 

Provenance: Dutch private collection