A family member was a soldier that served in Vietnam war. He brought back a Buddha statue after the war around 1971. Soldier was in all parts of Asia so it is unknown what part of Asia he purchased this in. Found in his home by his kids after his death in 2016.
12 September 2025
Description

This is a heavy Buddha statue in the seated meditation posture, wearing robes and seated on a lotus pedestal. The statue appears to be cast in bronze or brass. Possibly has a gold finish. The base is hollow, and on the inside there are several bright red lacquer-like dots. 1. Can you confirm whether this statue is likely Nepalese or Tibetan in origin? 2. Do the red markings inside the base indicate ritual consecration or filling? 3. Is the statue likely modern decorative, vintage, or antique? 4. Is it possible this has a gold finish? 5. What is the estimated resale value for this piece in today’s market (auction or gallery)?

Dimensions

Height: 10.5 inches • Width: 6 inches • Weight: 10.5 inches

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Yes
Answered within 3 days
By David U.
Sep 15, 15:22 UTC
Fair Market Value
$200 - $400 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Hello, this item is a cast metal statue of the Buddha in seated meditation posture, wearing flowing robes and resting on a lotus pedestal. Based on the gilded surface and casting style, it is most likely made of brass or bronze with a thin applied gold-colored finish. The hollow base shows red lacquer-like marks, which are commonly seen in ritual Buddhist statuary from Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand or Vietnam, rather than Nepal or Tibet. The general form and details suggest it was produced during the mid-20th century, probably as a devotional or export piece rather than an antique temple statue.

In the current market, statues of this type are widely collected but their value depends heavily on confirmed age, region, and quality of casting. Given its size (10.5 inches tall), hollow construction, and finish, this example would be classified as a vintage mid-20th century Southeast Asian Buddha image rather than a rare antique. At auction or gallery resale, similar statues usually achieve between 200 and 400 USD, with higher prices possible for documented provenance or finer craftsmanship.

Do you have a similar item and want to know how much it’s worth?

Communicate directly with a qualified specialist and get a fair market valuation of your item, typically in 48 hours or less.

Similar item appraisals

26 Apr, 2026
Purchased this fr...
Asian art
Estimate: No appraisals
26 Apr, 2026
Old Asian Thread ...
Asian art
Estimate: No appraisals
26 Apr, 2026
Mughal Painting o...
Asian art
Estimate: No appraisals
24 Apr, 2026
Asian painted vase
Asian art
Estimate: No appraisals
24 Apr, 2026
Professional fram...
Asian art
Estimate: No appraisals
24 Apr, 2026
I have a painting...
Asian art
Estimate: No appraisals
23 Apr, 2026
Two Japanese pain...
Asian art
Estimate: $200 - $500
23 Apr, 2026
Two matching Japa...
Asian art
Estimate: No appraisals
23 Apr, 2026
Asian Ivory
Asian art
Estimate: No appraisals