Sri Lanka Buddha

Seated Bronze Buddha

This Buddha cast in bell metal is in the traditional Kandyan-period, central-highlands form. The image is seated with cross legs in a meditating (virasana) aspect. The shoulders are broad, the arms long and thin, as are the legs. There is little or no usnisa (cranial protuberance) to support a tall flame ornament from the top of the image’s head. The hair is etched with small, tight curls, and the ears are elongated in princely fashion. The eyes are almond shaped and open. The garment has been cast with a folded lappet.

The image sits atop a waisted cushion engraved right the way round with a double row of lotus petals. The cushion sits atop a waisted pedestal.

These qualities transform this image into an almost abstract symbol that at the same time evoke a sense of order and tranquility.

UK antique market

Sacred Images of Sri Lanka: Buddhist and Hindu Sculptures from the Sri Lankan National Collections, The Art Gallery of New South Wales, 1994.