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Hi
I have this old bronze seated buddha and would love to know more about its origins and age etc, I think it may be Thai? It measures roughly 13 inches tall.
Any information greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks Pete.

This is an image of the historical Shakyamuni Buddha in the "bhumisparsa" or Earth-touching mudra. It was in this posture that he summoned the Earth Spirit to witness his enlightenment.

The Buddha would appear to be Lao, inasmuch as images made in Thailand and by the Thai-related Shan artisans of neighboring Burma, usually have earlobes extending to the shoulders. See photos herewith of a late 19th-early 20th century seated Shan Buddha image, 8-inches high, which was collected in Burma more than 30 years ago.

Perhaps others can comment on the age of your image, since I have nothing like it from Laos and can't get a sense of its patina and other fine details from your photos.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Hi Bill
Thankyou for your interesting and informative response and taking the time to look at my bronze.
Having now had a look at other images attributed to Laos it would certainly seem to fit your description. It would be good to hear what others think also.
Thanks again Pete

Some more images hopefuly the right way up.

Your buddha statue is Thai and is less than 50 years old.

Hi Michael O
Thankyou for taking the time and sharing your opinion on my bronze, I must say however that I do not feel that this piece is quite as late as you think.Perhaps you could expand? Would love to hear what others have to say also.
Kind regards Pete

Hi Pete,
Without the benefit of holding and inspecting the statue, my opinion is based solely on these low resolution photos. Your statue is most likely a provincial Thai Yuan type in maravijaya (calling the earth to witness gesture), seated in virasana. Although there are examples of Thai Yuan type buddha statues that go back as far as the 15th century, the lack of patina and the styling of your statue do not suggest a very old age.

This type of statues are still being made today and newer statues can be found in shops in Bangkok, Penang and Singapore. Your statue could be more than 50 years old but not much.

As I am only an interested collector and not, by any means, any expert in this subject, I sincerely apologise if I am wrong. Hopefully other real experts can come in to provide you more reliable information.

All the best!

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