Thai Bronze Seated Shakyamuni

This cast bronze figure dates to the 19th century and depicts the Buddha Shakyamuni in perpetual meditation. Also known as Shaka or Siddhartha Gautama, Shakyamuni is revered as a fully enlightened being and the source of all Buddhist teachings and traditions.

Draped in simple robes, the Buddha sits on a lotus plinth with legs crossed and hands held in bhumisparsha mudra, a gesture representing the moment he claimed the earth as witness to his awakening. This posture celebrates the Buddha's unwavering strength of focus as he resists distraction and temptation from the demon King Mara to achieve enlightenment. The seated figure displays the many characteristic features of the Buddha - tightly curled hair, elongated ears, downcast eyes, and a flaming ushnisha crown.