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I bought this little piece, 14cm in height, from an antique dealer in a little bamboo shack in Vang Vieng, Laos. I've never seen another seated Buddha holding a naga-handled mirror in front of his face.

My guess is that it was a household piece and 19th century. Any comments would be appreciated.

Hello Steve, this is the first time that I have seen this particular image of buddha. It is indeed unusual. Thanks for sharing.

However, rather than a mirror, I would suggest that the buddha is holding up a ceremonial fan in front of his face.This fan is called a "talapatr" (Thai) and was originally made of palm leaves. The theory is that the monk (or buddha himself) would conceal his face while preaching to lay people so that the lay folks can concentrate on the dharma being preached.

The fan is also a symbol of spiritual authority and some senior Thai monks can be pictured holding one.

Hi Michael, thanks for the information about the fan, a quick search finds that you are certainly correct:

"At observances in which Buddhist monks are in attending, one of the more noteworthy paraphernalia is the detailed and decorative monk's fan. It us used to cover the monk's face as he delivers addresses the devottes at the temple."

http://www.thebuddhasface.co.uk/buddhist-monks-ceremonial-fans-119-c.asp

I know that a mirror is also a Buddhist symbol, but I usually see it as an offering, not being held. A fan makes much more sense. Still, this is the first statue I've seen holding a fan.

I've been interesting in buddhas for more than 30 years and I've never seen such a buddha!
Congratulations,
Rémy

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