Rare 17-19th C Lao Buddhas (05/06/2011)

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Rare 17-19th C Lao Buddhas

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Rare 17-19th C Lao Buddhas

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Sold Date: 05/06/2011
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Fraternal, Political, Organizations

And now, for something completely different: two provincial Lao Buddhas acquired at different times from two different dealers on opposite sides of the planet who don't know each other!

One dealer said that their Buddha (the smaller of the two) is 19th century or earlier; the other dealer said that the larger Buddha is 17th century.

What is observable in the style and iconography is typical of provincial Lao or Lanna Buddhas in bronze in the last three hundred years or so: the long necks and shape of the bases; typical of Lao Buddhas regardless of era or influence is the 'spatula foot' (the upturned sole of the Buddhas right foot is almost a caricature of a human foot, broad and flat). Except for their differing sizes, the images are almost identical. They were made in northwestern Laos, near the border with Thailand and Burma.

There is some possible cleaning and renovation, but the images are in good condition; there are some small orginal casting holes that are not connected to cracks; thinly cast, there is no core remaining.

The height of the smaller image is 8", 10" for the larger image. The Buddhas sit on medium height pedestals, in the Bhumisparsa mudra (calling the earth to witness his good deeds in a previous life), and wearing a robe with a single pleat over the left shoulder and down the back to the waist on the reverse. They sit in the paryankasana position with one leg folded over the other.

Lao Buddhas, provincial or urban, are some of the most intriging and varied images ever made. Collectors of Southeast Asian Buddhas eventually discover this type and fall in love. Charming, even coy, or elegant to severe, they never fail to please.