17th century|Carved in the meditative posture and gesture of dhyana and attired in detailed multi-layered robes open at the chest but covering both shoulders, the head bent forward in intense concentration and covered in globular bosses forming the figure's hair curls encircling the usnisa, the back centered by a tall rectangular insert, likely sealing a consecratory chamber, the exterior surfaces showing areas of red lacquer and gilt.|26in (66cm) high|Another Buddha of similar size and similarly rendered attire but with more of the gilt and lacquer preserved and displaying a karana gesture in both hands was offered in our New Bond Street showrooms as lot 69 in sale 22235 of 12 November 2015. As noted there, the practice of coating wood figures in gilt-lacquer in imitation of bronze prototypes emerged in the Ming dynasty and continued through the end of the Qing. See another example offered in these rooms as lot 6469 in sale 21791 of 14 October 2014.