29-29 1/2 inch by 18 inch Shakyamuni Buddha
30 July 2024
Description

Cast in what I believe to be a copper alloy.. This is a four piece statue.. it separates down.. There is hand tooling and design accents as well as visible wear from age to some of the accent marks on the lotus leaves on the bottom as well as the eyelid ridge on the left eye. Vertical lines have all been hand tooled at the base where it meets the platform to seat the figure.. you will notice that although they are fairly uniform they have been hand scribed as there are slight irregularities to the lines. There is fine detail in the hands and well appropriated and masterfully hand carved accents including a face of a lion in the small of the back. Some condition issues include the placement/seating pegs where the statue sits on the lotus pedestal. There is also what appears to be a missing hobnail style hair accent on the back of the head where the top of the head seats to the upper quadrant of the statue which is removable. Spaces inside the statue are partitioned for allowing prayer scrolls and incense to be packed into the inner part of the statue. It appears to have been cleaned at some point.. there is what appears to be a seating peg placed at the outer edge of where the right foot tucks in with the bottom of the foot facing up. I will investigate further. I have an extensive collection of over 250 statues that I have amassed over the past 30 years.. some are 15th century and older.. this piece intrigues me as I have yet to find one that has the characteristics found in this particular piece. Namely the removable top portion of the head.

Dimensions

29-29 1/2 inches tall by approximately 18 inches wide

Acquired from
Auction House
For sale
Yes
Answered within 2 days
By David U.
Aug 01, 08:15 UTC
Fair Market Value
$5,000 - $15,000 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Hello,

This item is a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, measuring between 29 and 29.5 inches in height and 18 inches in width. Shakyamuni, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, is the historical Buddha and a central figure in Buddhist teachings. The statue depicts him in a traditional seated meditation posture, often associated with the attainment of enlightenment.

The statue is made of gilt bronze, a material commonly used in Buddhist art for its durability and the luxurious appearance it lends to sacred objects. The craftsmanship is evident in the detailed rendering of the Buddha’s features, the serene expression, and the flowing robes. The base of the statue is adorned with lotus petals, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening, which are significant motifs in Buddhist iconography.

The condition of the statue is crucial for its valuation. From the images, it appears to be well-preserved with a rich patina that adds to its authenticity and aesthetic appeal. The statue’s size, material, and intricate details contribute to its overall value.

David u. Aug 02, 12:25 UTC

Hello,

After a closer look, I believe that the intricate engraving and detailing on the gilt bronze indicate a high level of craftsmanship, consistent with traditional Tibetan Buddhist art.

The lotus petals and cloud motifs are finely rendered, suggesting it is not a mass-produced item but rather a piece created with significant skill and attention to detail.
Also, the rich patina and signs of age are indicative of authenticity and add value to the piece. The presence of patina, especially on gilt bronze, typically signifies an older, well-preserved item.

Furthermore, based on the style and craftsmanship, this statue likely dates back to the 19th century, possibly earlier. The use of gilt bronze and the specific iconography point towards a Tibetan origin, which aligns with the client’s provenance information.

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