Buddha - Antique Thai Style Bronze Rattanakosin Enlightenment Buddha Statue - 45cm/18"

Antique Thai Style Bronze Rattanakosin Enlightenment Buddha Statue - 45cm/18"

Measures (Height) 45cm/18"

An antique Thai style seated Enlightenment Buddha in the design of the Rattanakosin period.

The Buddha has a peaceful countenance with downcast introspective eyes and a firm brow. His earlobes are stretched long from a youth spent as a prince wearing heavy gold earrings.

In traditional Rattanakosin style he has a very large ushnisha protuberance on top of his head symbolizing his high level of spiritual development. His Ushnisha is shaped as a lotus flower. The lotus flower represents the attaining of enlightenment and the ultimate fulfilment that follows. This symbol is heavily used in Eastern religions, which is why it can appear as both a held item or a seat. Some say that as the lotus flower grows in dirty water but becomes something beautiful, it demonstrates how we must forget our attachments to the material world around us and focus on our inner spirituality in order to seek happiness.

Here Buddha is seated in virasana, cross-legged symbol of Serenity, in the Bhumisparsa or 'Calling Earth to Witness' mudra. With fingers slightly touching the ground this position represents the subduing of Mara (a demon) who bombarded Buddha with demons, monsters, violent storms and the three seductive daughters. Remaining steadfast the Buddha testified to his meritorious past by pointing to the earth and calling the Earth Goddess, Thorani.

Rising from the ground the Earth Goddess wrings the water from her long black hair. By this action she raises a torrential flood that drowns Mara and his army of demons. Reflecting this story the mudra symbolizes enlightenment, as well as steadfastness and Buddha's achievement of perfection or nirvana.

The casting is beautiful as you can see in the fine details of the face. Each detail is rendered perfectly. The distinctive patina of the piece is also particularly delightful.

This traditional in appearance piece is sure to add serenity to your home, office or sacred space. One of the most recognisable of the Asian deities this representation of the spiritual teacher Buddha is sure to enlighten your home with endlessly timeless style.

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