Sitting Buddha with Bhumisparsha Mudra (1) - Wood - Laos - late 19th century beginning 20th century

A sitting Buddha figurine on a lotus plinth in the Mudra position (Bhumisparsha) that was estimated to be from the end of the 19th century by an expert. It performs the gesture of touching the earth with the right finger tips to call upon it as witness for the truth of his words. Figurine made of soft wood, black background paint layer and complete gold-plating. Some colour abrasion, otherwise no damage on the figurine. The chronological origin was determined by an abbot in Luang Prabang based on the style and design of the figurine and the weathering of the material including visible termite damage on the bottom of the plinth (see photo) Despite the missing extension on the head a unique and rare object-