GILT BRONZE 19th c. SEATED THAI BUDDHA

Antiques > Orientalia Dealer: I Ching Gallery Contact: Marshall Frey - Email Dealer
Price: $7,850.00 USD  - Currency Converter Shipping inside United States: Quoted at time of purchase Shipping outside United States: Quoted at time of purchase

Description: THE HISTORICAL BUDDHA SEATED IN MEDITATION

A magnificent and large bronze sculpture of the historical Buddha seated in meditation on a lotus throne, elegantly robed, his hands in bhumisparsa mudra (sokuchi-in, Japanese), or 'touching earth' position. The symbolism of this position is as follows.

At the moment when the historical Buddha was on the point of achieving perfect enlightenment, the gods of the earth warned him that he would be attacked by demons. But the Buddha calmed them, saying that he would suppress these evil-doing demons by his power alone; that is, by his bodhi knowledge (ultimate enlightenment knowledge). At this point the Demon King appears and, noting that talk is cheap, challenges him to put his actions where his mouth is. The Buddha, pointing to the ground with his finger ('touching the earth'), summons the beings dwelling within the earth, who rise up and kill the demon army. The Buddha, still seated in meditation, remains unshakable by virtue of his former merits and his boundless kindness. Mara (the Lord of Evil), following the defeat of his demon army, nevertheless presses his claim for the bodhi throne (the Throne of Enlightenment). He calls upon more of his troops to support him as witnesses. The Buddha, without supporters, calls the Earth itself as his witness by 'touching the earth'; whereupon, personified, Earth, trembling in six ways, proclaims the Buddha the rightful occupant of the bodhi throne.

The face of this Buddha in bronze also captures and reflects the absolute serenity of ultimate enlightened consciousness, a tribute to the sculptor of this piece, which is unsigned and was most probably used for worship. This piece is in perfect condition, and was created in Thailand in the 19th century. This is a large bronze Buddha, over two feet in height in its seated position, and creates a powerful and imposing presence. Low-relief raised decorations to the bronze appear throughout.

Status: For Sale	Reference#: 81504_3
Condition: Very good, some losses to gilding	Year: 19th Century
Country: Thailand
Height: 28 in. (71.12 cm)	Depth: 12 in. (30.48 cm)
Width: 20 in. (50.80 cm)
Title: THAI BUDDHA GILT BRONZE 19th century

Dealer Policies: I Ching Gallery Policy Details

Dealer Accepts: