Southeast Asia, Laos or Thailand, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. This is a charming pair of miniature Buddha statues comprised of pottery cores covered in high quality sterling silver sheets chased with geometric and linear motifs. Both rest on tall dais pedestals sitting upright in lotus position, and hands forming the Bhumisparsha mudra, the "earth witness" gesture, one of the most iconic poses of Buddhism. They are dressed in a kasaya robe draped across the left shoulder, and one retains the spire ushnisha spire. These figures were formed in clay (sometimes resin) first, then silver leaf or foil sheets were hammered over the forms to enhance their value materialistically, and these votive figures were placed in pagodas or temples as offerings. Size: 1.5" L x 0.75" W x 3.3" H (3.8 cm x 1.9 cm x 8.4 cm); silver quality: 95.7%

Provenance: ex-Coup de Foudre, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#170115

Losses to silver sheets on pedestals shown and loss to ushnisha and face on one Buddha. Surface abrasions and nicks to both silver and pottery. Dark patina to both.