Bouddha - Lan Xang - 17/18th c. - 雕塑 - 老挝

Bouddha
Lan Xang Kingdom, 17-18th century
Laos
Bronze (beautiful silver-gray alloy mix. Silver-containing alloy)
Height

The Lan Xang kingdom, founded in the 14th century, reaches its cultural and religious zenith between the 17th and early 18th centuries. Theravāda Buddhism plays a central role, structuring both religious and political life. This period is marked by significant artistic development, especially in bronze sculpture. By the end of the 18th century, the kingdom declines and fragments into several regional entities.

The Lan Xang style is distinguished by great formal sobriety and discreet elegance. The figures are slender, with harmonious proportions, but less idealized than in Siamese art. Faces feature soft, elongated traits, marked by an introspective gaze. Ornamentation is strongly favored, often with inlays of silver and precious stones.

This statue represents the Buddha seated in meditation, taking the earth as witness. The figure has an oval face with arched eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes that were once inlaid with silver or precious stones, characteristic of Lao and Lan Na (Thailand) tradition. The coiffure of small curls topped by a stylized flame (ushnisha) emphasizes the sacred dimension of the figure. The body, full in volume and slightly simplified, conveys a sense of stability and calm. The treatment of the garment, discreet and minimally detailed, emphasizes the purity of forms rather than realism.

Condition: Good overall for its age. Very beautiful patina. Alloy with a silver-gray tint. Alloy mixed with silver.

Provenance: Kanaka The Collection
Sent with certificate of authenticity

UPS and insurance