A GILT BRONZE STATUE OF BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI
Laos, 17th – 18th century. Massively cast seated in vajrasana on a lotus throne, the right hand in bhumisparsa mudra, clad in an elegant yet simple uttarasangha covering the left shoulder. The heavy-lidded eyes are cast down and the full lips show a serene smile.

Provenance: From an old European private collection.
Condition: Fine natural patina. The lacquer gilding with old wear. Some casting flaws, two small old repairs to base, minor losses.

Weight: 13.7 kilograms
Dimensions: Height 57 cm

The lower section of the throne with old red lacquer coating.
The domed ushnisha is surmounted by a lambent flame.

The history and religion of northern Thailand and Laos are intertwined. The founder of the Thai Lan Na kingdom, King Mangrai, took Vientiane under his rule in the 13th century. Half a century later, the Thai exile, Fa Ngum, broke away and established the Lao kingdom Lan Xang Hom Khao. He is credited with bringing the Sinhalese Buddhism adopted in Northern Thailand to Laos at that time. Similarly, Lao Buddhist sculpture borrowed heavily from northern Thai styles made at centers of production like Chiang Mai. Within this context, it is not surprising that the present lot shows stylistic features common to both cultures.