Estimated value: €8,500 – €12,500
Large fire-gilded Theravada Buddha in bronze, originating from Sri Lanka or the South Indian coastal region and dating to the 17th–18th century. The statue depicts the Buddha seated in dhyana mudra, the gesture of meditation and inner concentration, with balanced proportions and a serene, restrained appearance characteristic of Theravada temple statues from this period. The face is softly modeled and is characterized by the typical 6-shaped urna strongly associated with Kandyan period Sri Lankan bronzes.
The statue was originally fully fire-gilded. Microscopic and UV examination confirm ancient gold residues embedded deep within the patina layers, along with cuprite, malachite, and natural copper chlorides. The surface displays a complex, multilayered patina that can only develop through centuries of natural aging. There are no traces of modern lacquer layers, artificial patination, or later interventions present.
The interior is decisive for the authenticity and age. It shows thick, irregular sand casting walls, old asymmetrical casting seams, deep mineralization, and natural deposits of dust and salts. This profile is typical of pre-industrial Theravada bronzes and completely rules out modern reproduction. The construction, scale, and weight suggest an original religious function within a monastic or temple context, not decorative export work.
This statue is fully technically documented and published, and represents a rare and convincing example of early modern Theravada bronze art with exceptional presence, historical integrity, and spiritual aura.
Dimensions: H 66.5 × W 52 cm
Weight: approx. 16.8 kg
Material: bronze, originally fire-gilded
Origin: Sri Lanka / South India
Period: 17th–18th century
