Museum-quality Lan Xang Masterpiece – Fire-gilded Bronze with Inlaid Ivory – 46 cm

Fire-gilded Lan Xang Buddha with Ivory Eyes

Appraisal value: €22,500 – €35,000

This exceptional Lan Xang Buddha statue is one of the most impressive objects in the collection. With a height of 46 cm and a weight of approximately 5.2 kg, the statue has a powerful, serene presence. The combination of fire-gilded bronze, inlaid eyes, and a deep red-gold patina gives the object an appearance that immediately surpasses standard Buddha statues. The Buddha is depicted in Bhumisparsha Mudra, the posture in which the earth is touched as a witness to enlightenment. This mudra represents steadfastness, spiritual strength, and overcoming doubt. The inlaid eyes are particularly noteworthy, having been examined under UV light and microscopy. The structure and fluorescence support identification as ancient ivory, which significantly enhances the quality and rarity of the statue. The surface shows clear remnants of fire-gilding, with gold bonding in the deeper zones and a warm red-gold appearance due to old oxidation of the copper alloy. The presence of cuprite and malachite-like mineralization gives the surface extra depth and character. The open underside shows an old casting core with sand, clay, and organic residues, consistent with traditional pre-industrial lost-wax casting. Together with the patina, construction, and material composition, this supports a placement within the Lan Xang tradition of Laos and Northern Thailand.

A rare and important Buddha statue for the serious collector of Southeast Asian art, suitable as a centerpiece within a private collection, gallery interior, or ritual space.

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