Sri Lankan Dark-Hardwood Meditation Buddha – Mid-20th Century – Lot 757

A small Theravada image made for close viewing

This seated Buddha has the compact balance associated with Sri Lankan devotional carving. The hands are placed one above the other in the lap in Dhyana mudra, while the restrained face, lowered eyes and elongated ears keep the emphasis on meditation rather than ornament.

The robe crosses the left shoulder and leaves the right shoulder exposed. Carefully ordered hair curls rise around the ushnisha, and the entire figure is carved together with its low rounded pedestal.

Material

The sculpture is cut from a single piece of dense dark hardwood. Its near-black finish has softened through age and handling, revealing warmer brown tones on raised and frequently touched areas. We do not assign a specific timber species without physical identification.

Object record

• Place: Sri Lanka
• Period: mid-20th century
• Material: dense dark hardwood
• Mudra: Dhyana
• Dimensions: H 19 × W 14.5 cm
• Weight: 800 g

Minor drying lines around the base and polished wear across the surface are consistent with an older handled wooden image.

Each object is examined before it is offered: material, casting or carving technique, surface, and signs of age are compared with documented references. You will receive a certificate of authenticity and an official invoice detailing the period, material, and available provenance.

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