{"product_id":"antique-thai-bronze-buddha-shakyamuni-dhyana-meditation-mudra-rattanakosin-style-flame-ushnisha-ex-japan-collection-19th-early-20th-c","title":"Antique Thai Bronze Buddha Shakyamuni | Dhyana Meditation Mudra | Rattanakosin Style | Flame Ushnisha | Ex-Japan Collection | 19th–Early 20th C","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Figure That Has Held Its Silence for Over a Century\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThere is a particular quality of stillness that only old bronze carries — not the stillness of an object at rest, but the stillness of an object that has been \u003cem\u003epresent\u003c\/em\u003e through decades of incense smoke, prayer, and the turning of seasons. This figure of Shakyamuni Buddha has that quality. It has been held, venerated, and passed through at least two cultures — Thai and Japanese — before arriving here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdentity \u0026amp; Iconography\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe Buddha is identified as \u003cem\u003eShakyamuni\u003c\/em\u003e (釈迦牟尼 in Japanese, Phra Phuttha Chao Sakkayamuni in Thai) — the historical Gautama Buddha, the prince of the Shakya clan who attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya. His hands form the \u003cem\u003edhyana mudra\u003c\/em\u003e, a gesture of meditation — both hands resting in the lap with palms upward — indicating composure and inward clarity, one of the clearest signals for meditative Shakyamuni imagery. \u003cspan class=\"inline-flex\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.de\/itm\/205637882599\" class=\"group\/tag relative h-[18px] rounded-full inline-flex items-center overflow-hidden -translate-y-px cursor-pointer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative transition-colors h-full max-w-[180px] overflow-hidden px-1.5 inline-flex items-center font-small rounded-full border-0.5 border-border-300 bg-bg-200 group-hover\/tag:bg-accent-900 group-hover\/tag:border-accent-100\/60\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"text-nowrap text-text-300 break-all truncate font-normal group-hover\/tag:text-text-200\"\u003eebay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"transition-all opacity-[0%] h-[17px] absolute right-[0.5px] rounded-r-full flex items-center px-1.5 bg-gradient-to-r from-accent-900\/0 via-accent-900\/100 via-30% to-accent-900\/100 group-hover\/tag:opacity-[100%]\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"currentColor\" viewbox=\"0 0 256 256\" class=\"transition-all group-hover\/tag:ease-out duration-[500ms] ease-in text-accent-100 group-hover\/tag:scale-[100%] scale-[80%] group-hover\/tag:opacity-[100%] opacity-[0%] -mr-[2px]\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M200,64V168a8,8,0,0,1-16,0V83.31L69.66,197.66a8,8,0,0,1-11.32-11.32L172.69,72H88a8,8,0,0,1,0-16H192A8,8,0,0,1,200,64Z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eushnisha\u003c\/em\u003e (cranial protuberance, 肉髻) rises high and terminates in a sharp flame finial — the \u003cem\u003eketumala\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003erasmi\u003c\/em\u003e. Sukhothai-era Thai statues display a distinctive flame-shaped ushnisha that differs markedly from Ayutthaya or Rattanakosin period work, and this piece bears the fuller, more rounded features and less elongated proportions of the later Rattanakosin tradition (Bangkok period, 1782–present), suggesting a date range of late 19th to early 20th century. \u003cspan class=\"inline-flex\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ueno_Daibutsu\" class=\"group\/tag relative h-[18px] rounded-full inline-flex items-center overflow-hidden -translate-y-px cursor-pointer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative transition-colors h-full max-w-[180px] overflow-hidden px-1.5 inline-flex items-center font-small rounded-full border-0.5 border-border-300 bg-bg-200 group-hover\/tag:bg-accent-900 group-hover\/tag:border-accent-100\/60\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"text-nowrap text-text-300 break-all truncate font-normal group-hover\/tag:text-text-200\"\u003eWikipedia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"transition-all opacity-[0%] h-[17px] absolute right-[0.5px] rounded-r-full flex items-center px-1.5 bg-gradient-to-r from-accent-900\/0 via-accent-900\/100 via-30% to-accent-900\/100 group-hover\/tag:opacity-[100%]\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"currentColor\" viewbox=\"0 0 256 256\" class=\"transition-all group-hover\/tag:ease-out duration-[500ms] ease-in text-accent-100 group-hover\/tag:scale-[100%] scale-[80%] group-hover\/tag:opacity-[100%] opacity-[0%] -mr-[2px]\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M200,64V168a8,8,0,0,1-16,0V83.31L69.66,197.66a8,8,0,0,1-11.32-11.32L172.69,72H88a8,8,0,0,1,0-16H192A8,8,0,0,1,200,64Z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Pedestal: A Theological Statement in Metal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe dome-bell base (\u003cem\u003ebusabok thaan\u003c\/em\u003e) is not merely a stand — it is a cosmological diagram. The multi-tiered pedestal base carries traditional lotus petal and bead decoration arranged in two distinct bands: the upper register is a row of short incised petals (\u003cem\u003eupright lotus\u003c\/em\u003e), below which runs a band combining circular bosses (symbolic of pearls or jewels) with an inscription in a regional Indic-derived script — likely Khmer or Pali written in Thai script — a dedicatory text or invocation common on votive bronzes made for temple consecration. \u003cspan class=\"inline-flex\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/butuzou.com\/blogs\/blog\/buddhist-statue-hands-postures\" class=\"group\/tag relative h-[18px] rounded-full inline-flex items-center overflow-hidden -translate-y-px cursor-pointer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative transition-colors h-full max-w-[180px] overflow-hidden px-1.5 inline-flex items-center font-small rounded-full border-0.5 border-border-300 bg-bg-200 group-hover\/tag:bg-accent-900 group-hover\/tag:border-accent-100\/60\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"text-nowrap text-text-300 break-all truncate font-normal group-hover\/tag:text-text-200\"\u003eButuzou\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"transition-all opacity-[0%] h-[17px] absolute right-[0.5px] rounded-r-full flex items-center px-1.5 bg-gradient-to-r from-accent-900\/0 via-accent-900\/100 via-30% to-accent-900\/100 group-hover\/tag:opacity-[100%]\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"currentColor\" viewbox=\"0 0 256 256\" class=\"transition-all group-hover\/tag:ease-out duration-[500ms] ease-in text-accent-100 group-hover\/tag:scale-[100%] scale-[80%] group-hover\/tag:opacity-[100%] opacity-[0%] -mr-[2px]\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M200,64V168a8,8,0,0,1-16,0V83.31L69.66,197.66a8,8,0,0,1-11.32-11.32L172.69,72H88a8,8,0,0,1,0-16H192A8,8,0,0,1,200,64Z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCasting \u0026amp; Condition: Evidence of Authenticity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe base interior (visible in the photographs) reveals the original \u003cstrong\u003esand-and-clay core\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003esaep din\u003c\/em\u003e) still packed inside — a definitive signature of traditional lost-wax casting (\u003cem\u003esunya phim\u003c\/em\u003e), as opposed to modern sand-cast reproductions which are cleaned out. Hollow casting with remnants of traditional resin seal and sand matter confirms long-term sacred use; this piece was never a decorative reproduction. The patina is a deep black-brown across the body, with traces of verdigris at the base joints — natural copper oxidation accumulated over decades of temple or altar placement. \u003cspan class=\"inline-flex\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/buy\/japanese-buddha\/\" class=\"group\/tag relative h-[18px] rounded-full inline-flex items-center overflow-hidden -translate-y-px cursor-pointer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative transition-colors h-full max-w-[180px] overflow-hidden px-1.5 inline-flex items-center font-small rounded-full border-0.5 border-border-300 bg-bg-200 group-hover\/tag:bg-accent-900 group-hover\/tag:border-accent-100\/60\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"text-nowrap text-text-300 break-all truncate font-normal group-hover\/tag:text-text-200\"\u003e1stDibs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"transition-all opacity-[0%] h-[17px] absolute right-[0.5px] rounded-r-full flex items-center px-1.5 bg-gradient-to-r from-accent-900\/0 via-accent-900\/100 via-30% to-accent-900\/100 group-hover\/tag:opacity-[100%]\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"currentColor\" viewbox=\"0 0 256 256\" class=\"transition-all group-hover\/tag:ease-out duration-[500ms] ease-in text-accent-100 group-hover\/tag:scale-[100%] scale-[80%] group-hover\/tag:opacity-[100%] opacity-[0%] -mr-[2px]\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M200,64V168a8,8,0,0,1-16,0V83.31L69.66,197.66a8,8,0,0,1-11.32-11.32L172.69,72H88a8,8,0,0,1,0-16H192A8,8,0,0,1,200,64Z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Japanese Connection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe piece entered Japan — most likely during the Meiji or Taisho era (1868–1926), when Japanese scholars, military officers, and merchants stationed across Southeast Asia developed a passionate interest in regional Buddhist art. Japanese collectors of this period were among the most sophisticated Buddhist art buyers in the world, and pieces acquired through this channel carry an additional layer of cultural history. This statue left one altar to rest on another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eShaka (Shakyamuni) seated images often suit a meditation corner because they emphasize practice, discipline, and awakening. Place at eye level or slightly above — on a dedicated shelf, altar, or \u003cem\u003etokonoma\u003c\/em\u003e alcove — never on the floor. A single stick of incense and a small vessel of water complete the setting. The figure also works beautifully as a collector's sculptural anchor in a curated display of Asian antiques.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chikoyaki","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45518968291407,"sku":"CKY-BRZ-0079","price":279.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0667\/6588\/1423\/files\/IMG_2827.jpg?v=1780757367","url":"https:\/\/chikoyaki.com\/products\/antique-thai-bronze-buddha-shakyamuni-dhyana-meditation-mudra-rattanakosin-style-flame-ushnisha-ex-japan-collection-19th-early-20th-c","provider":"Chikoyaki","version":"1.0","type":"link"}