Antique Asian bronze Buddha statue in Dharmachakra mudra (Lot 123)

Estimated value: €1,100 – €1,400. This authentic bronze Buddha statue depicts the Buddha in Dharmachakra mudra, the gesture of setting the Dharma wheel in motion and the transmission of teachings and insight. The statue is hollow cast from bronze and shows clear remnants of original fire gilding, applied using the traditional mercury amalgam technique (24 kt gold). The gilding has a warm, deep matte tone with a fine crystalline surface, consistent with long-term natural aging. Microscopic examination reveals a grainy casting structure, embedded oxidation residues, and an authentic, age-related surface texture, without traces of modern polishing or interventions. UV analysis shows a natural green-blue fluorescence in the underside, caused by copper oxides and salt mineralization, and confirms the absence of modern lacquer layers. The interior retains a rough sand casting core and shows no signs of recent restoration. The underside is old-manually opened and displays irregular, co-aged edges with mineral deposits, consistent with historical use. With a height of 19.5 cm and a weight of approximately 900 grams, this type of statue was suitable for home altars or small-scale devotional contexts. The object can be placed within the Sino-Tibetan Buddhist tradition and realistically dates from the 18th to 19th century, preserved in its original state without modern interventions.