Ancient gilded bronze Buddha statue, Rattanakosin period, Claude de Marteau collection

detail of the face of the bronze work from Thailand

close-up of the hands of the Theravada cult sculpture from Thailand, Claude de Marteau collection

Ancient gilded bronze Buddha statue, Rattanakosin period, Claude de Marteau collection, front view

Ancient gilded bronze Buddha statue, Rattanakosin or Bangkok period, view of the face with incised eyelids.

Ancient gilded bronze Buddha statue, detail of lakshana on the sole of a foot.

Ancient gilded bronze statue, Thailand, back view

Ancient gilded bronze Buddha statue, Rattanakosin period, detail of the ushnisha

Ancient gilded bronze Buddha statue, Rattanakosin period, Claude de Marteau collection, detail of the hands

Ancient gilded bronze Buddha statue, Bangkok period, clay core detail

Imposing Bronze Buddha Statue, Rattanakosin

€15000,00

This important 104 cm high gilded bronze Buddha statue represents Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha Siddhārtha Gautama, seated in meditation (dhyāna mudrā) in the lotus position (padmāsana).

The 108 auspicious marks engraved under the feet, accompanied by the Dharma wheel, testify to the quality of this cult image. The remains of gilding and black lacquer reveal a beautiful patina of use.
Provenance: Estate Claude de Marteau
Sold with certificate of origin.
H 104 CM X D 38 CM X W 73 CM.
Estimated peas: About 100 kg

1 available in store

Ref: 0007996 Categories: Latest arrivals, Himalayas and Southeast Asia Tags: Ancient Buddhas, Antique bronze Buddha statues, Buddha Statue | wood - bronze - stone |, Claude de Marteau Collection – Buddhas and deities – Early sculptures, Siam (Thailand) sculptures, Theravada Buddhism

A bronze Buddha statue transitioning between Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin

This gilded bronze Buddha statue features the characteristics of early Rattanakosin period productions, starting from 1782, while retaining the sobriety that distinguishes the final works of the Ayutthaya period. Unlike later Bangkok images, often enriched with floral motifs, chiseled borders, and more abundant ornamentation, this sculpture favors clean lines, a sober drape, and a harmonious silhouette.

Gilded bronze Buddha statue, detail of Shakyamuni's face — The deeply incised eyelids accentuate Shakyamuni’s meditative expression.

The serene face, deeply incised eyelids, slender ushnisha, and the 108 auspicious marks engraved under the feet, accompanied by the Dharma wheel, testify to the quality of this cult image. These signs recall the Buddha’s exceptional qualities and the perfection of his teaching.

Gilded bronze Buddha statue, detail of the 108 auspicious marks under the foot — The 108 auspicious marks are represented with great precision under the soles of the feet.

Through its quality of execution and significant dimensions, this work from the former Claude de Marteau collection was likely intended for a Buddhist temple or offered as a meritorious act, tham bun. This fundamental practice of Theravāda Buddhism consists of accumulating spiritual merit through gifts and acts of devotion.

This statue of the meditating historical Buddha thus illustrates a pivotal period in Thai art, during which the elegance inherited from Ayutthaya combines with the first stylistic developments of the Rattanakosin kingdom.

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