Lot 178
178
A Gilt Bronze Figure of a 'Walking Buddha'
This lot is offered subject to a reserve, which is… Read more Property of a California Collection
A Gilt Bronze Figure of a 'Walking Buddha'

THAILAND, SUKHOTHAI, CIRCA 16TH CENTURY

Details
A Gilt Bronze Figure of a 'Walking Buddha'
Thailand, Sukhothai, circa 16th Century
Stepping with his right leg slightly angled upon a circular waisted pedestal and with his left hand in abhaya mudra, wearing a diaphanous sanghati falling in undulating folds over his left shoulder, his face in a graceful serene expression with downcast eyes and arched brows flanked by long pendulous ears, his hair arranged in spiraling curls rising to a domed ushnisha and surmounted by a flame cintamani
9 1/8 in. (23 cm.) high
Special notice
This lot is offered subject to a reserve, which is the confidential minimum price below which the lot will not be sold.

Lot Essay

The 'Walking Buddha' is a striking iconic invention of the Sukhothai period. It may be interpreted as a visual representation of his descent from heaven, as well as increasing the accessibility of Buddha to the devotee by appearing to move towards him; for another example see P. Pal, The Divine Presence, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1978, cat. no. 37.

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