A RARE FIGURE OF BUDDHA, CAST IN TWO DISTINCT COPPER ALLOYS, SRI LANKA, KANDYAN PERIOD, 18TH CENTURY

A RARE FIGURE OF BUDDHA, CAST IN TWO DISTINCT COPPER ALLOYS, SRI LANKA, KANDYAN PERIOD, 18TH CENTURY

Expert's note
The figure was originally cast in two separate sections, a constructional feature further evidenced by the use of two distinct copper alloys. The lotus base contains a markedly lower proportion of zinc than the figure itself, resulting in its characteristic reddish-brown patina, while the figure has developed a lustrous, golden-brass surface. Despite these metallurgical differences, the two parts complement each other remarkably well, both visually and stylistically.
Particularly noteworthy is the incised decoration of the lotus pedestal. Its strict geometry and striking simplicity lend it an almost modernist quality, characteristic of the restrained aesthetic of the 18th century, before such ornament became increasingly elaborate and decorative in later periods. Here, the design remains exceptionally clear and disciplined, perfectly complementing the equally restrained conception of the figure.
This clarity is counterbalanced by the rhythmic, wave-like chasing of the robes, which creates an almost vertiginous sense of movement across the surface. Against this dynamic treatment stands the remarkably composed posture of the figure and its subtly detached, contemplative expression.

Finely cast, seated in ardha padmasana on a waisted double-lotus base with nominally incised lotus petals, his hands lowered in dhyana mudra. Clad in a tight-fitting, finely pleated robe draped over his left torso. His face bares a calm, meditative expression, with almond-shaped eyes, neatly incised spiral urna and arched brows, and full lips forming a benevolent smile above the prominent chin flanked by elongated earlobes. The hair arranged in tight curls over the ushnisha surmounted by a tall flaming ketumala.

Provenance: From a private collection in the South of France. The inside of the base with two old paper labels from Jean Gauchet Asian Art, Paris, one with inventory number '113'.
Condition: Good condition with old wear and casting irregularities. Scattered nicks, few dings, abrasion to the left knee, stains and corrosion to the right side of the waist, a crack to the joint of the ketumala, and small losses to the neck. Overall with a fine, naturally grown patina.

Weight: 2.1 kg
Dimensions: Height 23.7 cm

After three hundred years of civil conflict and successive waves of European imperialists, the Kingdom of Kandy emerged as the pre-eminent Sinhalese authority. Under its stability and the avid patronage of its kings, Sri Lanka witnessed a Buddhist revival with an unprecedented amount of building and restoring of monastic institutions. Bronze Buddha images proliferated, most of them either gilded or non-gilded depicting the sage in a standing pose. Fewer portrayed the Buddha seated, like the present example.

Two predominant forces inform the distinctive style of Kandyan Buddhist art. One is the continuance of Sinhalese tradition in depicting Buddha with a broad body type wrapped in a pleated robe, set by colossal statues of the Anuradhapura and Polunnaruwa periods. The other is a South Indian tradition of expressing dynastic identity through artistic patronage of religious objects, pursued with enthusiasm by the Nayak princes, who were invited to assume Kandy's throne after its last Sinhalese king died without an heir in 1739. Such fusion is exemplified by the present sculpture, whose massive shoulders and air of empyrean authority evoke tradition, while the mesmerizing crinkles of the garment, abstracted physiognomy, and enlarged flame finial summon Kandyan panache.

Literature comparison:
Compare a related bronze figure of Buddha, 18th century, in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, accession number IS.127-1964. Compare a closely related bronze figure of Buddha, 17.1 cm high, dated to the 18th century, in the Art Institute of Chicago, reference number 1984.1304.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Bonhams Hong Kong, 30 November 2022, lot 1047
Price: HKD 355,800 or approx. EUR 42,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Silvered Copper Alloy Figure Of Seated Buddha, Sri Lanka, Kandyan Period, 18th Century
Expert remark: Note the closely related style of the garment folds. Also note the similar size (26 cm).