Bouddha - Lan Xang - 16/17th c. - Statue - Laos
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Bronze Buddha statue from the Lan Xang kingdom in Laos, dating to the 16th–17th century, seated in a half-lotus posture, 31 × 16 × 10 cm, unsigned with a green patina and good overall condition, provenance Kanaka The Collection, Portugal.
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Description from the seller
Buddha
Kingdom of Lan Xang
16th - 17th century
Laos
Bronze
Dimensions: 31 x 16 x 10 cm
The 16th century marks the golden age of the Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, notably under the reigns of kings Visoun, Photisarath and Setthathirath. During this period, the capital is moved from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, and Theravada Buddhism becomes the structuring element of art and the state.
Bronze statuary of this era inherits Thai influences (Sukhothai and Lanna/Chiang Saen styles), while developing a Lao-specific plastic identity with elongated faces in a benevolent smile, cranial protuberances (ushnisha) topped by a very developed lotus bud or a stylized flame, and complex architected bases.
The Buddha is depicted seated in the half-lotus posture. His right hand is lowered on the knee, the fingers brushing the ground in the gesture of calling the Earth to witness (Bhumisparsha mudra). It evokes the precise moment of his Enlightenment (Bodhi) at Bodh Gaya, when he invokes the Earth Goddess to bear witness to his merits in the face of the temptations of the demon Mara. His left hand rests flat on his lap, palm facing upward, in meditation. The face features arched eyebrows joining the bridge of a hawkish nose, half-closed eyes and a gentle serene smile. The ears with stretched lobes almost reach the shoulders. The hair is composed of small conical and tightly curled coils. The whole is crowned by a tall, flared ushnisha shaped like a flame with floral terminals.
The Buddha rests on an imposing two-level architected polygonal base. The upper part presents a moulding forming a throne, surmounting a broad central band carved with decorative registers and geometric or floral motifs. The lower section forms a trefoil-shaped lattice altar skirt with quadrilobed cutouts. The interior of the base reveals traditional casting with medium-thick walls and remnants of the original earth core.
State of Conservation
The statue shows a remarkable emerald-green patina resulting from mineralization, ranging from brown to deep green. A significant gap from a break is noted on the lower right part of the base. Good stability of the statue despite the break.
The Buddha figure itself retains great integrity of its details and surface. Small chip at the tip of the flame.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal.
Ex-collection French
Sent with certificate of authenticity
Sent with UPS and insurance
Buddha
Kingdom of Lan Xang
16th - 17th century
Laos
Bronze
Dimensions: 31 x 16 x 10 cm
The 16th century marks the golden age of the Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, notably under the reigns of kings Visoun, Photisarath and Setthathirath. During this period, the capital is moved from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, and Theravada Buddhism becomes the structuring element of art and the state.
Bronze statuary of this era inherits Thai influences (Sukhothai and Lanna/Chiang Saen styles), while developing a Lao-specific plastic identity with elongated faces in a benevolent smile, cranial protuberances (ushnisha) topped by a very developed lotus bud or a stylized flame, and complex architected bases.
The Buddha is depicted seated in the half-lotus posture. His right hand is lowered on the knee, the fingers brushing the ground in the gesture of calling the Earth to witness (Bhumisparsha mudra). It evokes the precise moment of his Enlightenment (Bodhi) at Bodh Gaya, when he invokes the Earth Goddess to bear witness to his merits in the face of the temptations of the demon Mara. His left hand rests flat on his lap, palm facing upward, in meditation. The face features arched eyebrows joining the bridge of a hawkish nose, half-closed eyes and a gentle serene smile. The ears with stretched lobes almost reach the shoulders. The hair is composed of small conical and tightly curled coils. The whole is crowned by a tall, flared ushnisha shaped like a flame with floral terminals.
The Buddha rests on an imposing two-level architected polygonal base. The upper part presents a moulding forming a throne, surmounting a broad central band carved with decorative registers and geometric or floral motifs. The lower section forms a trefoil-shaped lattice altar skirt with quadrilobed cutouts. The interior of the base reveals traditional casting with medium-thick walls and remnants of the original earth core.
State of Conservation
The statue shows a remarkable emerald-green patina resulting from mineralization, ranging from brown to deep green. A significant gap from a break is noted on the lower right part of the base. Good stability of the statue despite the break.
The Buddha figure itself retains great integrity of its details and surface. Small chip at the tip of the flame.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal.
Ex-collection French
Sent with certificate of authenticity
Sent with UPS and insurance
Details
Era
1400-1900
Over 200 years old
Yes
Country of origin
Laos
Material
Bronze
Title of artwork
Bouddha - Lan Xang - 16/17th c.
Signature
Not signed
Condition
Fair condition
Height
31 cm
Width
16 cm
Depth
10 cm
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