A finely cast Buddha statue from the late Ayutthaya period (18th Century), displaying a Sukhothai-inspired style. The piece features a slim, blunt flame finial, a delicately modelled face, and a defined robe line. The base is angular and simple. Cast in warm, softly patinated bronze with a brown-reddish hue, the original clay core remains intact. The Buddha sits in the posture of Bhumisparsha Mudra "touching the earth" which invites the earth to witness Shakyamuni, the first Buddha's revelation at Bodh Gaya. Right arm hangs down over right knee. The hand with the palm turned inwards and the fingers extended downwards to the throne. The left hand lies on the lap with the palm facing up. Measurements: • Height: 23 cm • Knee to Knee: 5” (13 cm) • Weight: 1,538 g Throughout their long histories, Buddha statues frequently break their flame finials, heads, hands, or even legs (in the case of standing Buddhas). Within Thai culture, repairing a damaged Buddha is considered an act of merit, demonstrating respect and devotion, and is thought to bring better karma than purchasing a new figure. In this example, the head has been professionally repaired at the neck A thin crack is following the casting lines where the legs meet, a small hole at the bottom of the base and some rough edges from the original casting process. Otherwise, this serene image of the Buddha remains in very good condition, remarkable for a piece dating back around 250 years. Details: Face • Smooth and idealised with a soft, almost gentle expression. • High, arched eyebrows forming a near-continuous curve. • Lips set in a delicate, faint smile. Hair & Flame Finial • Neatly arranged, tiny curls of hair, demonstrating careful craftsmanship. • A blunt, smooth flame finial. Robe Line • Narrow defined robe line, precisely and cleanly executed. Base • Simple, angular low base, a typical design tradition of the late Ayutthaya. Historical Context: The Late Ayutthaya period (1629–1767) was a time of wealth from trade and rich culture in Siam. Ayutthaya, the capital of the Thai Kingdom was found by U-Thong King in 1350 was an island formed by the gathering of three rivers, the Chao Phraya, the Pasak, and the Loburi and surrounded by rice terraces. Despite flourishing art and foreign influence, power struggles weakened the kingdom. It ended in 1767 when Burma destroyed Ayutthaya.