Antique Ayutthaya Buddha Statue in Bhumisparsha Mudra – 17th/18th Century – Museum Quality Bronze

A Museum-worthy Ayutthaya Masterpiece (17th/18th Century)

This sublime, authentic Buddha statue from the flourishing period of the Ayutthaya style (17th to early 18th century) is a rare example of sacred bronze art. The Buddha is depicted in the Bhumisparsha Mudra (touching the earth), seated in a serene half-lotus position on a monumental, rare double lotus throne (Padmasana). This statue embodies the perfection of Ayutthaya aesthetics: a powerful, spiritual torso, an oval face with a serene smile, and a characteristic flaming rasmi on the ushnisha.

History & Aesthetics

The reverse side (verso) of this statue bears spectacular witness to its sacred history. Here, island-like remnants of the original gold leaf have been preserved along the folds of the monk's robe (sanghati) and the throne. At the points of friction—shoulders and curves—the gold has worn away through centuries of devotional touch, forming a fabulous contrast with the natural malachite and cuprite crusts (the deep green base patina).

Certificate of Material Authenticity: The Living Core

The open underside of the base offers irrefutable proof of its great age. Embedded in the original terracotta-like casting core is an antique iron chaplet (core support). This displays a complex mineralization process: an active yellow-orange oxidation core, surrounded by a dark brown iron oxide zone that has deeply impregnated the clay core. The turquoise copper salts from the bronze alloy have grown organically over and around this oxidized iron – a process spanning centuries that is impossible to simulate in modern times. The bronze rim is hand-finished and irregular, completely free of mechanical traces or fillers.

Specifications

Period	17th - early 18th century (Ayutthaya style)
Material	Thick-walled bronze, original gold leaf on lacquer
Height	20.5 cm
Width	16.0 cm
Weight	1.1 kg (exceptional metal density)

This masterpiece is a rare, museum-worthy investment for the elite collector. It forms a sacred eye-catcher with a tangible past, perfect for the high-end interior where history and aesthetics come together.