A LIFESIZE BRONZE HAND OF BUDDHA, AYUTTHAYA KINGDOM
Thailand, 14th-15th century. Cast with thin and elongated fingers neatly detailed with nails and creases, finely modeled in the vitarka mudra, the gesture of discussion, the palm with two naturalistic creases that extend to the base of the wrist which is covered by the lightly draped sleeve. The bronze with a rich, naturally grown, smooth patina with malachite and cuprite encrustations.


Provenance:
Collection de M. L., Paris, France.


Condition:
The fragment in good condition, commensurate with age, with wear and casting irregularities, soil encrustation, wear and weathering, losses. Presenting spectacularly well.

Weight: 1,399 g
Dimensions: Height 29.4 cm

Mounted on an associated metal stand. (2)


Literature comparison:

Compare two related Thai bronze hands, dated to the 14th century, in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, accession numbers 1994-148-770 and 1994-148-771.


Auction result comparison:

Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 24 April 2013, lot 52
Price: USD 5,250 or approx.
EUR 6,300
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Thai bronze hand
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling with similar creases articulated in the palm and similarly elongated fingers. Note the slightly smaller size (22.4 cm).