{"product_id":"thai-bronze-buddha-hand-vitarka-mudra-19th-century","title":"Thai Gilt Bronze Buddha Hand Sculpture | Vitarka Mudra | Rattanakosin Period | Circa 19th Century","description":"\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thailand, Southeast Asia\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cast Bronze or Copper Alloy with a Gold-Toned Surface and Natural Patination\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e 19th Century, circa 1800–1900\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis impressive antique Thai bronze Buddhist hand sculpture displays the graceful proportions, symbolic gesture, and elaborate ornamental detailing associated with Southeast Asian religious metalwork. Dating to the 19th century, the sculptural fragment represents the hand of a Buddha or Buddhist devotional figure, preserved independently from a larger religious image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe hand is beautifully modelled with an elegantly curved wrist, elongated fingers, and a distinctive configuration in which the thumb and forefinger approach one another to form a circular opening. This gesture is associated with the \u003cem\u003eVitarka Mudra\u003c\/em\u003e, the Buddhist gesture of teaching, discussion, and the transmission of spiritual knowledge. The remaining fingers extend outward in a graceful arrangement, giving the sculpture a remarkable sense of movement and refinement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most distinctive features is the raised floral rosette positioned centrally on the palm. This carefully modelled emblem resembles a stylized lotus blossom, a motif closely associated with purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening in Buddhist art. Such auspicious markings also recall the symbolic wheel or \u003cem\u003eDharmachakra\u003c\/em\u003e, representing the teachings of the Buddha.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eParticularly striking is the elaborate ornamental cuff surrounding the wrist. Unlike simpler Buddhist hand fragments, this example features a pronounced, pointed sleeve-like extension decorated with raised scrolling foliage, floral patterns, and beaded borders. The richly textured decoration contrasts beautifully with the comparatively smooth modelling of the hand, illustrating the sculptor's attention to both symbolic detail and decorative craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe bronze retains a warm golden appearance, complemented by areas of greenish oxidation, darker patination, and irregular surface wear. These variations create an attractive contrast across the hand, particularly around the fingers, raised palm decoration, and heavily ornamented cuff.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe wrist terminates in an open section, consistent with a separately cast component or fragment from a larger sculptural composition. This type of construction was employed in the production of substantial Buddhist images, where individual elements could be cast and subsequently assembled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe sculpture is presented on a black rectangular display base with an upright metal support, allowing its flowing form, finely decorated cuff, and symbolic gesture to be appreciated from multiple angles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Antique Thai bronze Buddhist hand sculpture dating to the 19th century\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Gracefully extended fingers forming a gesture associated with the \u003cem\u003eVitarka Mudra\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Raised floral rosette prominently positioned in the centre of the palm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Symbolic decoration associated with Buddhist teachings and enlightenment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Elaborately ornamented wrist cuff with scrolling floral relief decoration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Distinctive pointed extension rising above the decorated cuff\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Delicate beaded borders separating the ornamented wrist from the smooth hand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Warm golden surface with areas of green and dark brown patination\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Naturalistic hand modelling with individually defined fingers and gently curved contours\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Open wrist section reflecting its fragmentary or separately cast construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Presented on a modern black rectangular display base with an upright metal support\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe representation of the Buddha's hands occupies an important position in Buddhist religious art. Hand gestures, known as \u003cem\u003emudras\u003c\/em\u003e, communicate specific teachings, spiritual qualities, and significant episodes in the Buddha's life. These gestures allow the viewer to recognize the symbolic meaning of a sculpture even when other identifying characteristics are absent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eVitarka Mudra\u003c\/em\u003e is traditionally associated with the communication of Buddhist doctrine and the intellectual transmission of wisdom. The circular configuration formed by the thumb and forefinger is commonly interpreted as an expression of the continuous nature of teaching and the perfection of spiritual understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn Thailand, Buddhist sculptural traditions developed over many centuries, drawing upon earlier Indian, Mon-Dvaravati, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya artistic influences. During the Rattanakosin period, beginning with the establishment of Bangkok as the royal capital in 1782, artisans continued these established traditions while producing increasingly elaborate religious imagery for temples, monasteries, and devotional settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGilded bronze became an important medium for the representation of Buddhist figures. Gold symbolized spiritual radiance and was used to emphasize the sacred nature of devotional images. Decorative elements such as stylized lotus blossoms, floral scrollwork, and ornamental garments further enhanced the religious and aesthetic significance of these sculptures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe raised floral emblem visible on this hand is particularly noteworthy. The lotus is one of Buddhism's most enduring symbols, representing purity arising from an imperfect world. Circular floral and wheel-like emblems also appear on the palms and soles of Buddha images as auspicious signs associated with spiritual attainment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe elaborate wrist decoration reflects an artistic tradition that placed considerable emphasis on ceremonial ornamentation. Such decorative treatment is found in Thai Buddhist imagery, including representations of richly adorned or royal-form Buddhist figures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough its original sculptural context is no longer preserved, the surviving hand retains much of the symbolic language associated with Buddhist devotional art. As an independent sculptural fragment, it provides an opportunity to appreciate the detailed craftsmanship, aesthetic principles, and religious symbolism characteristic of historical Southeast Asian bronze casting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood antique condition, displaying visible surface characteristics consistent with an aged bronze sculptural fragment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe hand retains its principal sculptural features, including the elongated fingers, raised floral emblem, and substantial portions of the elaborate wrist ornamentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface exhibits areas of rubbing, scratches, small abrasions, irregular discoloration, and localized greenish oxidation. The golden surface varies considerably in appearance, with darker patches and areas of exposed bronze-toned metal contributing to its aged character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe raised floral and scroll decoration surrounding the wrist shows localized softening, surface irregularities, and areas of wear. The open wrist section exhibits an irregular edge and visible interior material associated with the object's fragmentary construction and present mounting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand Sculpture:\u003cbr\u003e\nLength: 7 in (wrist to longest fingertip)\u003cbr\u003e\nWidth: 3 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall Height (Including Stand): 8 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDisplay Base:\u003cbr\u003e\nWidth: 5 in\u003cbr\u003e\nDepth: 3 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e125–225 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormerly part of an extensive private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe previous owner enjoyed a distinguished 35-year career working for the United States government, during which they lived in various countries around the world. Over several decades, they assembled an extensive personal collection of antiques, artifacts, and culturally significant objects, reflecting a longstanding appreciation for world history, international cultures, and traditional artistic craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover the traditional Buddhist teaching gesture, known as \u003cem\u003eVitarka Mudra\u003c\/em\u003e, through a historic Thai bronze Buddha sculpture at \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.clevelandart.org\/art\/1958.334\" title=\"Buddha with Hands in Gesture of Teaching, Vitarka Mudra – Cleveland Museum of Art\"\u003eThe Cleveland Museum of Art\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our collection of \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/buddhist-and-hindu-relics-sacred-statues\" title=\"Buddhist \u0026amp; Hindu Relics and Sacred Statues – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eBuddhist \u0026amp; Hindu Relics and Sacred Statues\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67855108833602,"sku":null,"price":1450.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/First_photo_design_-_2026-10-22T161111.039.jpg?v=1792699883","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/es\/products\/thai-bronze-buddha-hand-vitarka-mudra-19th-century","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}