Early Thai Bronze Buddha – Ayutthaya Style – Hand-Cast, Smooth Aged Patina – 18th–19th Century - Sculpture - Thailand

TITLE

Early Thai Bronze Buddha – Ayutthaya Style – Hand-Cast, Smooth Aged Patina – 18th–19th Century

DESCRIPTION

A finely cast Thai bronze Buddha seated in Bhumisparsha mudra (earth-touching gesture), executed in a classical Ayutthaya-influenced style.

Compact, balanced, and sharply composed.

The figure presents a refined facial structure with arched brows, defined nose, and a composed, inward expression. The cranial form rises into a pronounced flame-like finial, supported by tight, evenly distributed curls. Ears are elongated and cleanly formed.

The body is slender and controlled, with a smooth chest plane and a precisely rendered robe draped diagonally across the torso. The robe edge is crisp and deliberate, not decorative.

This is a true cast bronze, not modern production.

The underside is open and shows:

Original casting cavity
Age-darkened interior surface
Natural oxidation consistent with long-term aging

The exterior carries a deep, stable patina with soft tonal variation—brown, olive, and darker low points. Wear is consistent with handling and age, not artificial distressing.

The base is integrated and solid, with a rounded bell-form profile, typical of earlier devotional bronzes. The proportions are tight and efficient—no excess metal, no decorative inflation.

STYLE & PERIOD

Ayutthaya-influenced Thai Buddhist sculpture

This type of form—especially the tall flame finial, compact seated posture, and restrained robe treatment—is rooted in late Ayutthaya tradition and carried into early Rattanakosin production.

DATE

18th–19th century

SPECIFICATIONS
Material: Cast bronze
Technique: Lost-wax casting
Origin: Thailand

CONDITION

Good, stable condition.

Surface wear, minor abrasions, and patina variation consistent with age. No structural damage. No modern repairs observed.

Conditions of Sale

By placing a bid, the buyer enters into a binding contract and agrees to the following terms:

1. Shipment, Delivery & Risk

Delivery obligations are fulfilled upon transfer of the lot to a professional carrier for shipment to the address provided through the Catawiki platform. Official carrier tracking records, including delivery confirmation, delivery attempts, customs notifications, and status updates, constitute conclusive evidence of shipment and delivery progress. Risk transfers to the buyer upon dispatch. Claims of non-receipt that contradict carrier tracking confirmation will not invalidate the transaction.

2. Customs, Refusal & Contract Termination

All import duties, VAT, customs clearance fees, brokerage charges, and related governmental assessments are solely the buyer’s responsibility. Refusal to accept delivery for any reason — including refusal to pay customs duties or import charges — constitutes:

• Voluntary refusal of performance
• Material breach of contract
• Immediate termination of the sale in favor of the seller

In such cases, the seller reserves the right to:

• Request full payment release from Catawiki
• Recover all return shipping fees, storage fees, administrative charges, carrier penalties, and related costs
• Apply a reasonable restocking fee where permitted
• Decline any obligation to reship the lot

Returned parcels caused by refusal, non-payment of customs, failure to collect, or incorrect address remain entirely at the buyer’s risk and expense.

3. Condition & Description

All lots are sold “as is” and “as photographed.”

Photographs form part of the description and accurately represent visible condition at the time of listing.

Age-related wear, patina, oxidation, glaze variation, craquelure, firing marks, surface irregularities, minor losses, restorations, manufacturing variations, and material inconsistencies are inherent characteristics of antique, vintage, and collectible objects across all categories and do not constitute defects. The absence of reference to condition issues does not imply perfect condition. No warranty is made that any lot is free from restoration, repair, alteration, or replacement unless expressly stated in writing.

4. Attribution & Opinion

Any statement regarding age, origin, period, maker, material, cultural attribution, or historical context reflects informed opinion based on experience and research. Such statements are not guarantees or warranties. Differences in scholarly opinion, stylistic interpretation, market reassessment, or third-party evaluation do not constitute grounds for cancellation, dispute, or refund.

5. We pride ourselves on taking the time to pack well, however that does not reduce the risk of damage or breakage to absolute zero. Bidding is with accepting this.

By bidding, the buyer acknowledges full acceptance of these Conditions of Sale.