Page 188 - Himalayan Art Macrh 19 2018 Bonhams

3083 W
A COPPER ALLOY TORSO OF BUDDHA
THAILAND, AYUTTHAYA PERIOD, 16TH CENTURY
With traces of lacquer and gilding in recessed areas.
52 in. (132 cm) high

$40,000 - 60,000
泰國 大城時代 十六世紀 佛身銅像

This superior example of Buddha’s torso from the Ayutthaya kingdom depicts him with
unbridled power through its restraint of ornamentation and its simplicity of form, allowing
a sheer robe just to wrap around broad shoulders, an immense chest, and ample waist.
It survives with a beautiful pine green patina.

The sculpture’s power is reflective of the tremendous prosperity Ayutthaya enjoyed in
the 16th and 17th century, as foreign powers clamored for the best trade positions with
the ‘Kingdom of Siam’. Ayutthaya’s vigorous cultural program culminated in the highest
concentration of Buddhist art perhaps anywhere in the world. Few examples exude
such a commanding presence as the current lot. Compare with another of the same
proportions, dated 1541, in the National Museum, Bangkok, McGill, The Kingdom of
Siam: The Art of Central Thailand, 1350-1800, Ghent, 2005, no. 42.

Provenance
The Estate of John Traina, San Francisco
Bonhams, New York, March 18, 2013, lot 134
Carlton Rochell Asian Art, 2014
The Elizabeth and Willard Clark Collection, California

186 | BONHAMS