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24k Gold Fire-Gilded Bronze Buddha (Sri Lanka, 17th–18th Century)

Name: 24k Gold Fire-Gilded Bronze Buddha (Sri Lanka, 17th–18th Century)
Brand: 1stBuddha
SKU: 309
Price: 1650 EUR
Availability: InStock

AvailabilityIn stock

Only 1 left

SKU

309

Heavy 24k gold fire-gilded bronze Buddha from the southern Theravada tradition, probably Sri Lanka (Kandyan sphere), circa 1600–1750. The Buddha sits in meditation with a long robe rendered in dense incised lines, a distinctive 6-shaped urna and a plain triangular base without lotus or flame finial, with only subtle traces of the original 24k gilding remaining.

€1,650.00

Valuation Report

This large 24k fire-gilt bronze Buddha has been examined using museum-grade analytical methods, including UV inspection, microscopic surface analysis and internal casting assessment. The sculpture is heavily cast, with a thick-walled traditional bronze core, deep natural patina and only small surviving islands of the original 24k fire-gilding in protected recesses. The interior shows old mineral deposits and oxidation consistent with long-term age and devotional use.

Stylistically and technically, the piece belongs to the southern Theravada tradition and can most plausibly be linked to a Sri Lankan (Kandyan-sphere) or related coastal workshop. The long robe rendered in dense incised folds, the compact mass of the torso, the tight snail-shell curls, the distinctive 6-shaped urna and the plain triangular base without lotus throne or flame finial point to a regional, workshop-specific interpretation rather than later decorative production. On the basis of these combined criteria, a production date in the 17th to early 18th century (circa 1600–1750) is considered appropriate.

Taking into account material (fire-gilt bronze with largely worn 24k gilding), traditional casting technique, internal ageing profile, surface patina, stylistic attribution (southern Theravada, Sri Lankan/Kandyan sphere), estimated period (circa 1600–1750) and the current international market for comparable early Theravada bronzes, the retail valuation for this piece is set at approximately €1,650 (one thousand six hundred and fifty euros) as 1stbuddha gallery guidance.

24k Gold Fire-Gilded Bronze Buddha (Sri Lanka, 17th–18th Century)

In stock

Description

This large 24k fire-gilded bronze Buddha belongs to the southern Theravada tradition and can most likely be linked to a Sri Lankan (Kandyan-sphere) workshop, circa 1600–1750. The figure is heavily cast, with a compact, powerful presence that immediately separates it from modern, decorative bronzes. The Buddha sits in deep meditation, legs folded in a classic cross-legged posture and hands resting in the lap in dhyana, while the right hand still subtly suggests the earth-touching gesture.

One of the most striking features of this sculpture is its long monastic robe, rendered not as soft, drifting folds but as a dense field of carefully incised parallel lines. These linear pleats run continuously down the body to just above the feet, creating a graphic, almost architectural rhythm across the surface. This robe treatment reflects a later Theravada reading of the ancient monastic garment, translating the flowing Gandhara/Sarnath type drapery into a controlled, linear code typical of Sri Lankan and related coastal workshops.

The head is crowned with tight, regular snail-shell curls and a compact ushnisha without flame finial. On the forehead sits a distinctive 6-shaped urna, a calligraphic detail that gives the face a quiet but unmistakable focus. The features themselves are calm and full: rounded cheeks, a short straight nose, finely drawn eyes that look gently downward and a small, closed mouth. Nothing is exaggerated or theatrical; the expression is that of a temple image made for daily devotion rather than display.

Equally unusual is the base. Instead of a conventional lotus throne, the Buddha sits on a plain, slightly triangular plinth, without lotus petals or decorative mouldings. There are no signs that a lotus or added finial was ever attached: neither break edges nor old mounting points are visible. This plain, geometric base and the absence of both lotus and flame finial suggest a regional, workshop-specific interpretation of the standard iconography, giving the piece a quiet, almost austere authority.

The surface of the bronze shows deep, natural patina and strong traces of age. Only small islands and streaks of the original 24k fire-gilding survive in protected recesses and along the deeper incisions, while exposed areas have been worn back to the warm metal core by centuries of handling, cleaning and temple use. Inside, the casting is thick and irregular, with old mineral deposits and oxidation consistent with an object that has lived for several centuries in a humid, ritual environment. Together, these features support an attribution as an authentic, early fire-gilt bronze rather than a later replica.

With its heavy casting, unusual triangular base, distinctive 6-shaped urna and robe fully covered in incised pleats, this Buddha stands out as a characterful, slightly idiosyncratic temple sculpture from the wider Sri Lankan coastal sphere. It is a piece for collectors who appreciate strong presence, genuine age and individuality over standardised textbook types.

Dimensions: 36 cm high x 31 cm wide

Weight: 6.8 kg

Material: Fire-gilt bronze (24k gold), thick-walled traditional casting with largely worn original gilding