A SILVER SEATED BUDDHA


Thailand, Bangkok/Rattanakosin period, 19th centurycast silver, traces of gold in the recessed areas10 cm. (3 7/8 in.) high
|泰國 拉達納哥信王國/曼谷王朝 十九世紀 銀佛坐像Provenance:Private Collection, United KingdomSeated in virasana upon a fully-bloomed lotus throne, the Buddha's hands form the dhyanamudra, a gesture of deep meditation. He wears a monastic robe draped over the left shoulder, beautifully echoed by the pleated cloth hanging from the feet over the lotus petals. The Buddha's hair is set in tight curls incorporating the usnisha and rising to a point topped by a lotus bud finial. The face, oval with deep-set almond eyes, high concentric brows, a long slightly curved nose and a fine thin-lipped mouth. The latter, forming a sweet smile, expresses deep mindfulness and bliss.The soft pliable nature of silver imparts suppleness to the Buddha's slender limbs and the flowing lines of the figure and robe. The distinguishing features of the face, as well as the gathered pleats falling over the left shoulder in parallel lines, are elements distinctive of Buddhist statuary from the Bangkok/Rattanakosin period in Thailand. A number of exquisite images made of gold and silver are in the collection of the National Museum, Bangkok.