17th C. Ming / Qing Gilt Wood Buddha, XRF-Tested Gold

17th C. Ming Dynasty to Early Qing Dynasty. China, Ming to early Qing Dynasty, ca. 17th century CE. Carved wood figure of a seated Buddha, hands resting in a meditation gesture in the lap, with a high topknot, elongated earlobes, and a serene, downcast expression. The figure retains its original allover gilding, XRF tested and confirmed at over 20% gold content, applied over a red bole, a fine clay ground traditionally mixed with a binding agent such as animal glue or oil and colored with red ochre or cinnabar-based pigment, used to smooth the wood surface, provide adhesion for the gold leaf, and impart a warm reddish glow in areas where the gilding has thinned. This bole ground is visible in scattered areas of wear, particularly on the reverse. 7.5" H. Item # 204211

Estimate:£340.53

View all items fromArtemis Fine ArtsorAsian Art