A LARGE GILT BRONZE 'PARINIRVANA' FIGURE OF THE RECLINING BUDDHA Thailand, Rattanakosin period, 1782-1851. The massively cast statue finely lacquered and gilt, lying on a three-tiered rectangular platform, profusely decorated with floral ornamentation, the uppermost platform embellished with a row of elaborate lotus leaves. Buddha is dressed in an ornate embroidered robe that leaves the right arm and shoulder bare, the hand of which supports the head, the face bearing a subtle smile, flanked by pendulous earlobes, the hair formed into tight curls surmounted by an ushnisha, the eyes downcast and inlaid with shell.

Provenance: Private Collection, United Kingdom. Bonhams Hong Kong, 20 November 2020, lot 23, bought-in at an estimate of HKD 250,000 or approx. EUR 32,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing.
Condition: Very good condition with old wear, a small crack, some nicks and surface scratches, minor losses.

Dimensions: Length 90.5 cm, Height 45.8 cm

Expert's note: This reclining image is generally symbolic of the death of the Buddha (Parinirvana), which is the ultimate aim of Buddhism, ending the cycles of rebirth. The sculptures that were made during the Rattanakosin period generally followed the Ayutthaya tradition of Buddhist images, some of them plain and others elaborately decorated with an abundance of ornamentation. During the Bangkok period, many such images were brought down to the city from the war-torn areas of central and northern Thailand.

13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.