Gilded bronze altar “Shakyamuni,” Qing dynasty

Exceptional Buddhist altar, made of bronze covered with a sumptuous gold finish. The ensemble shows Shakyamuni Buddha seated in the dhyanasana position, with a serene expression and hands arranged in the bhumisparsha mudra, symbolizing his Enlightenment. The figure, with curly hair pigmented in blue, sits on a double lotus throne, before a petal-shaped mandorla embossed with scrolls, tendrils, flowers, and spirals. The entire ensemble rests on a monumental rectangular base with several levels, richly ornamented. It features an imperial dedicatory inscription of six characters: “大明永乐年施.” Qing dinasty (1644-1912) or later.

Total size: 69 x 48 x 28 cm; Buddha size: 30 x 22 x 16 cm

Weight: 34 kg (approx.)