Country Group: China, Japan and Korea

Item id: 426

This is a lovely 18thC Chinese Buddha: he looks to be from Southern China, (Yunnan?) and to have some influence from both S.E. Asia and Tibet. The loops on the back of the base are usually only found in Thai sculpture, and are used (at least on the Thai examples) to hold a tall, thin ceremonial umbrella that would go over the Buddha. There is something about the crispness and thinness of the casting and the feel of the lotus petals on the base that remind me of Tibetan pieces. He has remains of high karat gilding on the base, as can be seen in the photos. The face is expressive and joyful. The condition is excellent, with no damage or repairs. He is well cast with an excellent patina. I forgot to photograph the bottom, but it is open with no clay core. All in all, he is a delightful Buddha. Stands 6 inches tall.