Country Group: South and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam)

Item id: 10873

This is a bit of a mystery. It is unlike any other Buddha of its type I have encountered as it is a classic.Sukhothai Buddha, and it looks and feels like an early example in terms of its sculpting and its surface. The only thing is that it is solid cast, and it weighs a tremendous amount. In a few spots, the surface is worn away, and you can see the metal underneath which does not look typical for a period piece. The previous owner, who was not a Buddha collector and did not know anything about antique Buddhist, thought it was between 100 and 150 years old and was made as a book end. When I bought it, I laughed and thought they knew nothing about which they spoke about and was positive. It was a 600 year-old Buddha but the longer I owned it the more I wondered if it might actually be a 19th century example, though I did not think it was a book end. First. First, the back was not flat, second it is super superbly, sculpted and cast in a way that only could’ve been done by someone who is skilled in sculpting and casting Buddha. I therefore offering it as 19th century or earlier with the possibility that it is much earlier, but done in an atypical style for its time. If it is 19 century, it is a stand out and very uncommon for that time. The face is remarkable, as are the eyes which I cannot tell if they are inlaid, or if they are part of the casting, I do not want to pick at them and cause any damage or loss.. This Buddha has made it onto my mantelpiece in my living room with some of my very favorite Buddhas as I continue to research it and be fascinated by it. It’s a hard one to let go of. Whatever it is, it is high-quality and has the feeling of something made for practice rather than as a tourist piece. One of the photos has a ruler in it with the Buddha so you can see the height. If you need more exact dimensions, let us know and we’ll get back to you. ( 13.25"H x 9"W x 4"D ) 25 lbs