Thai Rattanokosin Cast Bronze Hand of Buddha

This particularly well-cast, elegant hand of Buddha was cast in the 19th century, almost certainly in Bangkok, and is in the Rattanokosin style. Most probably it was cast with the intention of being added to a complete image of the Buddha.

The hand is in the jnana mudra or ‘teaching’ gesture, with the thumb and index finger forming a circle in the manner of the Buddhist Wheel or Law or Dharmachakra which is representative of the Buddha’s teachings.

During the reign of King Rama IV (1851-1868) the Kingdom became more exposed to European influence and there was an attempt to humanise the Buddha. Depictions became more life-like and less stylised. And so it is here with this hand with its more naturalistic form and contours.

What is particularly beautiful about this hand and which makes it stand out among other examples, is the fluidity of the modelling and also the manner in which it has been decorated – each finger and the thumb have been cast with a complex, well modelled floral ring, and the palm also has been decorated with a floral flourish. The sleeve also is similarly richly ornamented.

The hand is attached to a blackened, wooden stand.