A BRONZE FIGURE OF THE ASCETIC BUDDHA, THAILAND, 19TH CENTURYThe emaciated figureprising four detachable parts, including the plinth, buddha, mandorla, and chignon. Shakyamuni is seated in meditation on a raised plinth decorated to the front with six acolytes, his shoulders enveloped in a folded shawl, the face with downcast eyes, flanked by elongated earlobes, the hair tied in a high chignon, and backed by a mandorla.Provenance: Copenhagen trade, Denmark.Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, few nicks, small dents, and expected casting flaws. Good, solid patina overall.Weight: 9.6 kgDimensions: Height 53.8 cmThis figure depicts Shakyamuni practicing extreme asceticism in the wilderness during his search for enlightenment. During this time, he realized that such self-punishment was ultimately futile, and he eventually attained enlightenment through meditation and the Middle Path of balance and moderation.Auction resultparison:Type: RelatedAuction: London, 5 November 2018, lot 250Price: GBP 4,750 or approx.EUR 6,700 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A gilt-lacquered copper-alloy figure of the ascetic buddha, Thailand, Bangkok, Rattanakosin period 19th/20th centuryExpert remark:pare the related pose, motif and material. Note the size (108 cm) and the later dating.