Northern India Terracotta Buddha seated in the Dharmachakra Mudra. - 13 cm
12
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05
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Current bid
€ 370
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 900 - € 1,200
 | €370 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €350 | |
| €300 |
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Terracotta Buddha statuette, seated in the dharmachakra mudra, from Northern India in the late Gupta to post-Gupta period (6th century CE), measuring 13 × 8.5 × 3.5 cm (13.5 × 10.5 × 6 cm with modern base), on a discreet modern metal base, provenance from a Belgian private collection with acquisition year 2025; authenticity original and in good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Elegant glazed terracotta Buddhist statuette depicting the Buddha seated in the teaching gesture, most likely the dharmachakra mudra.
The work stylistically belongs to Northern India, in a late Gupta to post-Gupta horizon, 5th–6th century AD, probably the 6th century. The full face with lowered eyes, the broad circular halo, and especially the highly graphic treatment of the monastic robe with regular folds find good parallels in the Gupta sculptural tradition of the Ganges valley.
The statuette is particularly interesting for its genuinely three-dimensional conception. Unlike a simple votive plaque with a flat reverse, the back of the figure is modeled: the shoulders, arms, and pelvis extend in volume while the folds of the garment are also carefully indicated on the reverse. The halo, more restrained at the back, also retains a convex shape.
The surface presents a beautiful rosy tone characteristic of terracotta, with uniform wear, ancient deposits in the hollows, and a few small losses around the halo. These elements give the whole an especially attractive archaeological presence, while the face, hands, and overall silhouette remain perfectly legible.
Provenance: former private Belgian collection, assembled between 1979 and 2009, then passed on by succession.
Dimensions excluding the base: 13 × 8.5 × 3.5 cm.
Dimensions with a modern base: 13.5 × 10.5 × 6 cm.
Weight: 597 g.
Displayed on a discreet modern metal base.
No thermoluminescence testing has been performed, given the value level of the work. The attribution rests on visual, technical, and stylistic examination as well as on comparison with institutional reference corpora.
video link. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/w8wia1mnhmsx3r77obl2b/AKWnbXzzyysJon191PBP6c0?rlkey=49u44t6xqifyj6t37sl63hjaw&dl=0
Elegant glazed terracotta Buddhist statuette depicting the Buddha seated in the teaching gesture, most likely the dharmachakra mudra.
The work stylistically belongs to Northern India, in a late Gupta to post-Gupta horizon, 5th–6th century AD, probably the 6th century. The full face with lowered eyes, the broad circular halo, and especially the highly graphic treatment of the monastic robe with regular folds find good parallels in the Gupta sculptural tradition of the Ganges valley.
The statuette is particularly interesting for its genuinely three-dimensional conception. Unlike a simple votive plaque with a flat reverse, the back of the figure is modeled: the shoulders, arms, and pelvis extend in volume while the folds of the garment are also carefully indicated on the reverse. The halo, more restrained at the back, also retains a convex shape.
The surface presents a beautiful rosy tone characteristic of terracotta, with uniform wear, ancient deposits in the hollows, and a few small losses around the halo. These elements give the whole an especially attractive archaeological presence, while the face, hands, and overall silhouette remain perfectly legible.
Provenance: former private Belgian collection, assembled between 1979 and 2009, then passed on by succession.
Dimensions excluding the base: 13 × 8.5 × 3.5 cm.
Dimensions with a modern base: 13.5 × 10.5 × 6 cm.
Weight: 597 g.
Displayed on a discreet modern metal base.
No thermoluminescence testing has been performed, given the value level of the work. The attribution rests on visual, technical, and stylistic examination as well as on comparison with institutional reference corpora.
video link. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/w8wia1mnhmsx3r77obl2b/AKWnbXzzyysJon191PBP6c0?rlkey=49u44t6xqifyj6t37sl63hjaw&dl=0
Details
Culture
Northern India
Century/timeframe
Ve–VIe siècle apr. J.-C. | Gupta tardif – post-Gupta, probablement VIe siècle
Name of object
Buddha seated in the Dharmachakra Mudra.
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
13 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1979
Width
8.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Depth
3.5 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
