This image of the standing Buddha, cast in bronze as a single piece, shows the Buddha in abhayamudra – the ‘gesture of fearlessness’ with the right hand held upright, and the palm facing outwards. It is a gesture of reassurance and safety.
The facial details are finely rendered. The ears are elongated in the princely manner. The cranial protuberance is more bud-like than pointy. The robe extends outwards on each side.
Loses to the baseplate mean that it is no longer possible to determine its original shape.
Stylistically, the image dates to around the 14th or 15th centuries.
The image has been fixed to a wooden stand which itself seems to have some age.
The image is without loss or repairs. It is cast in such a way that no core is available for testing. The surface however has a varying green-red patina and appropriate ample weathering and corrosion is evident.
References
Somkiart Lopetcharat, Lopburi and Thavaravadi Sculptures in Thailand, Siam International Book Company, 2015.
Woodward, H.W., The Sacred Sculpture of Thailand: The Alexander B. Griswold Collection – The Walters Art Gallery, Thames & Hudson, 1997.