Chinese Gilt Bronze Amitabha Buddha, 20th Century

A large and impressive vintage gilt bronze figure of the tantric Buddha Vajrasattva, the Diamond Thunderbolt, mid 20th century, Nepal. Crafted of cast and richly gilt bronze, Vajrasattva sits in vajrasana, or full lotus position, his torso slightly bent at the waist. He holds an upright vajra scepter in one hand, raised at heart level. His other hand, resting on his hip, would originally have held a a ghanta, or bell, which is now missing. He is festooned in jewelry, including a five pointed crown, earrings, necklaces and armlets, all studded with coral and turquoise beads. His long hair falling in elegant tresses around his shoulders, the rest tied up in a high chignon topped by a vajra. Vajrasattva wears a dhoti covering his lower half. The dhoti intricately cast and carved with a scrolling vegetal design, and featuring images from the Ashtamangala, or Eight Auspicious Emblems, including the conch, endless knot, and double fish. Scarves billow out around his arms. The tantric Buddha sits upon a tall double lotus throne, the back with more intricately cast decorations of dragons and lotus blossoms against dense vegetal scrolls. The base sealed with a dented copper plate inscribed with a visvajra, or double vajra...

A delightful Thai Rattanakosin Period lacquered and gilt cast bronze figure of the Buddha in royal attire, mid 19th century, Thailand. The charming figure depicts the Buddha in dhyanasana, the gesture of meditation. The Buddha sits serenely in half lotus position, his hands resting comfortably upon his lap, one on top of the other. The Buddha is dressed in elaborate robes, cast with floral and foliate designs in high relief. Over his robe, he wears the regalia of Thai kings, with a heavy cape...