Thai Ayutthaya Bronze Buddha Hand & Votive Pottery Shrine Tablet (ca. 14th-17th c. CE).

Thai Ayutthaya Bronze Buddha Hand & Votive Pottery Shrine Tablet (ca. 14th-17th c. CE). Two rare and exquisite Buddhist relics from the ancient Ayutthaya Kingdom of Thailand. Descriptions: 1) Ayutthaya Bronze Buddha Hand Displaying Vitarka Mudra. An 8” slender yet life-sized, finely formed left hand of Buddha. Cast in in verdigris bronze during and displayed on a custom wood base. The hand is gesturing the traditional Vitarka Mudra, signifying teaching and intellectual discussion. Buddhist hand symbols are often presented in specific styles to represent different aspects of Buddha and Buddhist values and this gesture is also called "Gesture of Fearlessness" or “Blessing”. 2) Ayutthaya Clay Offering Tablet. This 5”H x 2.75”W tablet served as a votive function, featuring a series of 9 seated Buddha figures. Condition of Buddha Hand: Fully intact but some wear on a few of the fingertips. Condition of Votive: Fully intact, no repairs and wear as seen. Has a museum or auction tag on back side. Provenance: From the estate of Nancy Lassalle, NYC. She was a founding member of both the New York City Ballet & School of American Ballet boards, and an avid collector of antiquities.