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3219
A COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF BUDDHA
THAILAND, KAMPHAENG PHET, 15TH CENTURY
17 3/8 in. (44 cm) high

$30,000 - 50,000

泰國 甘烹碧府 十五世紀 銅佛坐像

A pervasive stillness permeates this accomplished sculpture, depicting Buddha in his
moment of triumph over Mara, and awakening into an eternally blissful consciousness. It
is rendered in the Kamphaeng Phet style, which echoes that of neighboring Sukhothai,
but with subtle differences, such as sharper overall facial features and eyebrows that
form a continuous line above the bridge of the nose. In this example, superior quality
is evinced in the meticulous execution of the flame finial, small curls, elegant fingers,
and the fishtail hem about the navel. It compares favorably to another example sold at
Bonhams, New York, 14 March 2016, lot 80. Also see another published in Lopetcharat,
Thailand, A History in Buddha Image, vol. 1, Bangkok, 2006, p.364.

Literally meaning, “diamond wall”, Kamphaeng Phet was a walled city of pivotal
economic and military importance. Founded by the Sukhothai King Li Thai (c.1346-74)
in the mid-14th century, it was ideally situated for river trade with Southern Burma, the
Lan Na kingdom, and the Chao Phraya basin of Central Thailand. Later absorbed into
the Ayutthaya Kingdom it served as a crucial fortress and strategic buffer in stymieing
Burmese advances on the Ayutthayan capital during the Burmese-Siamese wars (16th-
19th centuries).

Provenance
Private US Collection, 1990s-2010
Private US Collection, 1990s-2010
Marcel Nies Oriental Art, Antwerp
Acquired from the above at TEFAF Maastricht, March 2011

68 | BONHAMS