Kandyan Period Cast Brass Standing Buddha

This fine example of a Kandyan-style standing Buddha on an hour-glass shaped pedestal, is finely cast in brass.

The stylised pose; the broad, square shoulders; the rectangular feet with toes all the same length; the rectangular form of the hand; the pear-shaped, prominent, flaming unisha or sirispata (crown protuberance) that rises from the head; the exposed right nipple; the round face with downcast eyes; and thin, long eyebrows – are all characteristic of Kandyan Buddha sculptures of the 18th century. Certain standards employed in the preparation of wax models (used in casting) contributed to this stylistic consistency.

The robes or civara are long and folded in a typical way for a Kandyan 18th century standing depiction of the Buddha. They are decorated with deep, wavy lines, front and back. The robe sash on the front unusually is decorated with small roundals,

The Buddha stands with his right hand held aloft in the jnana mudra (‘teaching’) position.

Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese monarchy from 1469 to 1818, under the Kingdom of Kandy. It was also the religious capital and home to a vibrant religious brass casting industry.

The image here is in fine condition. There is some age-related mottling to the brass here and there.