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Item id: 9015

Exceptional 13th/14th century Buddha, or laterKorean Red-Lacquered Wooden Buddha, 12 Inches

A truly magical Korean Buddha figure, dating to the 13/14thC century or later, masterfully crafted with thick layers of rich red lacquer over a wooden core (interior not directly visible). Measuring 12 inches tall, 9 inches across, and 7 inches deep, the sculpture feels visually larger than its dimensions suggest due to its full, rounded form and imposing presence.

The Buddha is shown seated in deep meditation, hands in dhyana mudra, with gracefully cascading robes carved in rhythmic folds that wrap the figure in a serene, enveloping stillness. The heavily applied red lacquer?worn in places to reveal soft undertones?creates a striking surface of depth and age, giving the sculpture a warm, glowing aura that feels both ancient and alive.

The face is particularly moving, with half-closed eyes, delicate brows, and a calm, introspective expression that radiates spiritual potency. The overall craftsmanship, sculptural mass, and lacquer technique are far superior to typical examples from the period, placing this work firmly in the realm of museum-worthy Korean Buddhist art.A powerful and rare devotional piece of exceptional beauty and presence."at first I had thought this was Japanese and 17/18 century, but the more I studied it, I realize the close association with the Kamakura style, with the round head and thick body. As I studied it and looked for comparable Buddha images, it became clear to me that it is actually Korean and not Japanese. You can see it clearly in the look of the face which is classically Korean. It is one of those things that once you realize what it is, it is easy to see. As there were close parallels between Japan and Korea in the style of their Buddhist art in earlier centuries, I began to suspect that it was probably from the same era in Korea as the, Kamakura era in Japan. The lacquer is an ancient and quite worn, and the Buddha has an ancient feel to it consistent with this dating. Still, I have not verified this dating with any other experts and have not found any close comparable examples so it is possible that it may be later. I. I would not be describing it the way I am if I did not believe that it was probably of this early dating, though I cannot guarantee this. If I was 100% and if I had done scientific test to verify, it would have value many times higher than I am asking for it. The price I am asking ,is fair given it’s incredible quality, depth of spirituality, very good condition, rarity, etc. I leave it for you to decide for yourself what you think it is and and for you to decide what it is worth to you.