Presented in this lot is a Large Thai Gilt Rattanakosin Period Sitting Buddha Statue, circa 19th Century. The Rattanakosin Kingdom, the Kingdom of Siam, or the Early Bangkok Empire were names used to reference the fourth and current Thai kingdom in the history of Thailand. The prominent form of Buddhism practiced in Thailand is Theravada Buddhism. Followers of Theravada Buddhism take refuge in the 'Triple Gem': the teacher (Buddha), the teaching (dhamma) and the monastic community (the Sangha). Various major forces have influenced the development of Buddhism in Thailand. By far the most dominant and influential tradition is the Theravada school, which arrived from Sri Lanka during the medieval era. Because of this, Thai Buddhism has close ties with the Buddhism of other Southeast Asian countries, like Burma. This finely cast image bronze is made of cast bronze and gilded over red and black lacquer undercoats. Features the Buddha dressed as a monk with his right shoulder bare while sitting cross-legged in the dhyanasana, the meditation position, on a tiered throne. The image's right hand is in the earth-touching (bhumisparsha mudra) position, the left hand holding the stem of a talipot (prayer fan). Head with tightly coiled curls and no ushnisha. Most Buddha images have a cranial protuberance, but those of the late nineteenth century sometimes lack them. This practice arose during the reign of King Rama IV (1851-1868) during which the kingdom became more exposed to European influences and there was an attempt to humanize the Buddha. Further attempts to humanize the Buddha are apparent in this image as the face is serene and realistically portrayed, the hair is in neat small curls that have more of a naturalistic appearance than traditional depictions. The fingers and ears are elongated as is seen in traditional Thai temple art, known as "chinlon". This technique is said to have been developed in the early Ayutthaya period and is still used today. Much of the gold gilt remains as well as the red lacquer. Two solid rings are attached to the back side. Measures 13"H on a 7" x 7" x 11.25" pyramid. Weight approximate 18lb 6oz.*