Large Kandyan Period Cast Brass Standing Buddha

This fine example of a Kandyan-style standing Buddha is finely cast in brass. It is typically Kandyan in some respects but it is also unusual for its height – it is relatively large – and also because the figure is unusually plump.

The stylised pose, the broad shoulders, and the pear-shaped, prominent, flaming unisha or sirispata (crown protuberance) that rises from the head are characteristic of Kandyan 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 Buddha stands with his right hand held aloft in the jnana mudra (‘teaching’) position.

The feet are rectangular, the right nipple is exposed, the shoulders remarkably broad and square, the face rounded with downcast eyes, a wide nose and thin eyebrows, and the head is decorated with tight curls – all these are typical of the 18th century Kandyan style.

The images shows traces of polychrome and lacquer decoration. Remnants are visible most particularly in the wavy lines engraved on the robes.

The image is in fine condition. There is some age-related mottling to the brass here and there. It has been mounted on a wooden stand.