Buddhist Iconography Appraisal

Reclining Buddha Statue

This item is a decorative reclining Buddha statue, depicting the Buddha in his final illness, just before entering Parinirvana. The statue is relatively elongated, suggesting a significant length, possibly ranging from 2 to 3 feet based on its placement on the furniture. The materials appear to be carved wood for the darker, more prominent features like the head, upper torso, and draped arm, combined with a textured, lighter-colored material for the lower body and pillow, which could be gilded or painted gesso over wood or a composite material. The color palette primarily consists of a dark, rich brown or black for the Buddha's hair, face, and upper garment, contrasting with a distressed, antique gold or cream color for the pillow and the lower, more textured portion of the body, which extends into the lower drapery. The 'pillow' features intricate, circular, mandala-like patterns in gold, suggesting a higher level of detail and craftsmanship. The Buddha's face is serene, with closed eyes and a gentle smile, characteristic of many Buddhist representations. The top of the head features an ushnisha, indicating wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. The condition appears good from the visible angle, with no obvious major damage, although the lighter-colored areas show a distressed or aged patina, which might be intentional to simulate age or a result of natural wear. The construction details suggest multiple pieces or sections joined together, particularly where the dark and light sections meet. The overall style is consistent with Southeast Asian Buddhist art, though without specific manufacturing marks, a precise regional origin or exact age is difficult to determine. It likely serves as a spiritual or decorative home accent, indicating a period of decorative art rather than extreme antiquity.