This finely cast bronze image is in the late U-Thong/early Ayutthaya style. It shows the Buddha sitting cross-legged in bhumispara (‘calling the earth to witness’) upon a tiered lotus petal throne.
There is only the suggestion of a band between the hairline and forehead. The robe is draped with a long flap from the left shoulder that stretches across the chest of the image. The hairstyle comprises small, spiky curls.
The ‘calling the earth to witness’ pose, refers to the occasion when the Buddha, seated in meditation under the Bodhi tree on the evening before his enlightenment, is challenged by the demon Mara to prove that he had given alms. The Buddha touched the ground with his right hand and asked the earth to bear witness to his past good deeds (Fraser-Lu & Stadtner, 2015, p. 152).
The image has a wonderful, golden patina and is in excellent condition. It is highly decorative.
References
Fraser-Lu, S., & D.M. Stadtner, Buddhist Art of Myanmar, Asia Society Museum, 2015.
Sukhasvasti, S., South and Southeast Asian Sculpture from a Private Collection, Rian Boon Press, 2003.