Hand of Buddha in the bhumisparsha muda (earth touching gesture)

Sukhothai period, 14th-15 th century

Bronze

H18cm, without custom-made pedestal

Private Belgian collection

The Sukhothai Kingdom, which flourished between the 13^th and 15^th centuries, is often regarded as the first Thai kingdom and the golden age of Thai art with the Walking Buddha as his unique highlight. The Buddhas of this period often exhibit elongated and slender bodies, with a delicate balance between the head, torso and limbs. The eyebrows, mouth and fingers of the Buddhas are always gracefully curved.

This hand is the right hand of Buddha, in the bhumisparsha mudra, the touching of the earth posture. The lower part of the hand shows the remains of the right leg of Buddha. The hand has fingers of a different length and the nails are clearly rendered. It is defined by an extremely streamlined shape and a beautiful volume.