Gilt Thai Rattanakosin Standing Buddha, circa 1850

Intricately carved and finished with gilt black lacquer, this seated figure depicts the bodhisattva Guanyin, known in Japanese Buddhism as Kannon. Described as the "Buddha of Infinite Compassion," Kannon is the embodiment of mercy and makes himself available to all who call upon him with all their mind. Kannon is depicted here seated in diamond position upon a double lotus plinth, set above a stepped base. He is dressed in gracefully draped robes and wears a tall crown bearing a minuscule figure of Amida, the Buddha of Infinite Light. He has a serene expression of calm and holds his right hand in the abhaya mudra, a gesture of comfort, blessing, and protection. Backed by a magnificent leaf-form nimbus, this Kannon figure...

This carved stone stele depicts the historical Buddha, known also as Shaka, Shakyamuni, or Siddhartha Gautama. Seated in perpetual meditation, the Buddha embodies virtues of wisdom and composure. Hand-carved of limestone in the style of Northern Wei (386-535) statuary, the Buddha is depicted upon a lotus plinth with legs crossed in lotus position. His hands are held downwards in bhumisparsha mudra, a gesture representing the moment that the Buddha claimed the earth as witness to his awakening. The Buddha has a peaceful, benevolent expression and is framed by a halo of concentric circles. His figure is surrounded by attendant bodhisattvas, carved in relief on the curved stele behind and platform below. Leafy tree branches add a naturalistic touch to the background, wrapping around to the back of the stele to form a canopy above a second, smaller Buddha...

This intricate limestone stele of a standing buddha likely depicts Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. The only Buddhist divinity revered as both a bodhisattva and a Buddha, Maitreya is prophesied to return to Earth some time in the distant future and continue the historic Buddha's teachings of the Dharma. Like the historic Shakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya is a compassionate being devoted to showing the path to enlightenment. Carved in the style of sixth century Chinese statuary...

Hand-carved and lavishly pigmented, these gilt fragments originated as decorative elements of ornate Qing-dynasty furniture or architecture. Elevated by ...

A delightful Thai Rattanakosin Period lacquered and gilt cast bronze figure of the Buddha in royal attire, mid 19th century, Thailand. The charming figure depicts the Buddha in dhyanasana, the gesture of meditation. The Buddha sits serenely in half lotus position, his hands resting comfortably upon his lap, one on top of the other. The Buddha is dressed in elaborate robes, cast with floral and foliate designs in high relief. Over his robe, he wears the regalia of Thai kings, with a heavy cape...

A wonderful Thai Rattanakosin Period lacquered and gilt cast bronze figure of the Buddha in royal attire, mid 19th century, Thailand. The lovely figure depicts the Buddha in bhumisparsha mudra, the gesture of calling the earth to witness. Seated in full lotus position, with one hand resting in meditation in his lap, the other extended over the knee to touch the ground, this gesture commemorates the moment the Buddha attains enlightenment. The Buddha is dressed in elaborate robes, cast with floral and foliate designs in high relief. Over his robe, he wears the regalia of Thai kings, with a heavy cape, diamond shaped pectoral, and a winged crown upon his head - all with studded designs in high relief, imitating heavy embroidery...

A wonderful gem of a piece. This beautifully sculpted and adorned bronze and gilt seated meditation Buddha is from the Thai Rattanakosin Kingdom period (1782-1932) and has a nice patina acquired through age. The Buddha is in the Bhumisparsha (calling the earth to witness) mudra position symbolizing the moment when he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree...

A lovely Thai lacquered and gilt cast bronze figure of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, portrayed in Maravijaya, Rattanakosin Period, early to mid 19th century, Thailand. The B...