A large wood seated figure of Buddha


17th centuryCarved in the meditative posture and gesture of dhyana, attired in detailed multi-layered robes open at the chest, the head bowed in intense concentration and covered in tightly arranged bosses representing hair curls surrounding 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 (losses, age cracks).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, 12 November 2015, lot 69. 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, 14 October 2014, lot 6469.