South-Est Asian Art A very large Rattanakosin seated Buddha Thailand, Bangkok, Rattanakosin period, late 18th - early 19th century . . Cm 86,00 x 112,00 x 40,00. Lacquered and gilded bronze sculpture depicting the historical Buddha seated in Padmasana on a multi-level rectangular base. His hands on his knees in the gesture of meditation dhyanamudra. The Rattanakosin style refines and enriches the traditional Buddhist iconography transforming the monastic robe that leaves one shoulder uncovered into a rich cloak, as well as embellishing either the base and the hair. The gilding, over red and black lacquer, gives a further regal element to the whole composition.The presence of the ushnisha dates back this piece to the early stages of this manufacture as the practice of eliminating the cranial protuberance was born during the reign of Rama IV (1851-1868) as an attempt to humanize the historical Buddha after European stylistic interference. As a matter of fact, later specimen often replace it with a spired crown.