Large seated Buddha statue in bronze – Thailand, ca. 1500–1650 (Lot 161)

Estimated value: €28,000 – €45,000

This large seated Buddha statue is crafted from bronze and measures 72 cm high, 48 cm wide, and weighs 14.2 kg. The statue depicts the Buddha in bhumisparsha mudra, the gesture in which the earth is invoked as a witness to enlightenment. Based on style, proportions, and construction, it can be convincingly placed within the Thai Sukhothai–Ayutthaya tradition, dated to circa 1500–1650.

The slender build, soft modeling of the chest and shoulders, and the restrained, serene facial expression suggest a transitional style between late Sukhothai and early Ayutthaya. The statue rests on a carefully crafted double lotus base with a central textile-like panel on the front, a feature typical of Thai temple statues from this period. Examination of the surface and under UV light revealed remnants of original fire gilding in sheltered zones. This confirms that the statue was originally (partially) gilded, as is customary for important temple statues, and that the gold has largely disappeared due to centuries of ritual use. The underside is open and shows clear traces of the traditional lost-wax casting technique. Visible core plugs and a partially preserved core pin confirm a manual, pre-industrial production process. Additionally, remnants of an old organic seal, consisting of resinous and wax-like material, are visible on the inside. This seal was used to close structural openings and is part of the original temple practice. The material is fully integrated into the natural oxidation layer and confirms long-term, continuous use in a tropical climate.

The interior shows heavy natural oxidation with mineralization and salt deposition, incompatible with modern manufacturing or subsequent restoration. Stamped numbers are present on the same interior that are not part of the original production. Its exact meaning is unknown, but the deep integration into the oxidation suggests that they were applied a long time ago, during a later phase of use or management of the statue.

This Buddha statue is not a decorative object, but an authentic old temple statue with clear traces of veneration, use, and history, and with a monumental presence befitting its original religious function.