Bronze Standing Crowned Buddha, Thailand, Ayutthaya Period, 16th-17th century

Bronze Standing Crowned Buddha

This image of the Buddha, which dates to the 16th or 17th century of the Ayutthaya periond, is depicted as a princely figure, standing with a flared robe, and with elaborate necklaces and a foliate crown or diadem. The face is delicate with downcast eyes beneath arched eyebrows, and a generally benign expression.

The right hand is raised in

abhaya mudra, the gesture of reassurance; the left rests by the image’s side.

The style of the image has its origins in the Sukhothai period, but there are key characteristics which mark this out as an Ayutthaya piece. The prominent waist band and pleat of the robe that runs down the legs of the image are one such characteristic.

The image retains traces of gilding over much of its surface and originally was entirely gilded (gold plated). With time, much of this has worn away.

The surface has a deep, varying patina consistent with a 16th-17th century dating. It is a fine example of this type of Thai Buddha image. There are no losses or repairs. It stands on a quality, custom-made black stand.

Woodward, H.W., The Sacred Sculpture of Thailand: The Alexander B. Griswold Collection – The Walters Art Gallery, Thames & Hudson, 1997.