Bought from importer in San Francisco in late 80s who said it was from an abandoned monastery somewhere in China, but who knows. It's 21" tall, 16" wide at the knees, 9" deep, and weighs about 80 lbs. Appears to maybe be some kind of sandstone. Seems to show significant weathering.
Bought from importer who said it had just recently arrived from China.
Dear James,
Your buddha figure appears to made of some kind of natural stone, like limestone or marble. Corners of the hand carved details are all round and soft and thats not a sign for example granite is used. Its very hard to determine a natural, grey type stone on its content. Nevertheless I could say there is not a precious material used. You can do a scratch test underneath; if you can make a scratch in the material with a knife or other steel object you know the material is soft like limestone. If you can not make a scratch it is likely a sort of granite. Its a Chinese buddha I agree with that on the basis of facial expression and the pose and details. I believe its made somewhere late 19th or early 20th century. I believe its an antique statue. Chinese buddha's are looked after on the market for Chinese antiques so I think your buddha will made a price around the estimate in an auction or sale.