Early Ming Dynasty Style Gilt Bronze Seated Buddha, Yongle–Xuande Tradition Chinese Buddhist Sculpture, 50 cm

The imperial workshops of the early Ming set a standard in gilt bronze that later casters long emulated, and this 50 cm seated Buddha follows their Yongle–Xuande idiom closely. Full lotus posture, a meditative mudra and gilt scrollwork engraved over the robe give its 16.5 kg form a quiet, luminous gravity suited to a temple hall or refined altar.

The Piece

This sculpture depicts a seated Buddha cast in bronze with extensive gilt decoration, produced in the Yongle–Xuande tradition of the early Ming dynasty. The figure sits in full lotus posture upon an integral base, the hands forming a meditative mudra that emphasizes inward stillness and doctrinal clarity.

The facial features are softly modeled yet precise, with a calm expression, gently lowered eyes and a balanced cranial form. The hair is arranged in tight curls and the ushnisha rises subtly, reflecting court-sponsored Buddhist sculpture of the early Ming period.

The body and robe are richly adorned with engraved and gilt floral scrollwork, a decorative approach associated with the Yongle and Xuande imperial ateliers. Rather than overwhelming the form, the gilding enhances the contours of the body, allowing light to articulate volume and rhythm across the surface.

Bronze Buddhas of this scale were typically intended for temple halls or refined altar settings rather than casual domestic display, and the combination of weight, finish and iconographic restraint suggests devotional use within a religious or institutional context.

Details

• Era: Early Ming dynasty style (Yongle–Xuande); antique, over 100 years
• Origin: China
• Material: Cast bronze with gilt decoration
• Measurements: Height approx. 50 cm · Width approx. 33.5 cm
• Weight: Approx. 16.5 kg (object); safe packed weight approx. 28–32 kg
• Object type: Seated Buddha sculpture on integral base
• Customs: HS Code 9706.00; country of origin China
• Shipping: EMS or courier possible with professional packing

Condition

• Condition consistent with an antique gilt-bronze Buddhist sculpture: surface wear, localized gilt loss and patina reflecting age and ritual handling.
• No modern restoration is assumed without in-hand examination.
• Requires stable humidity and careful handling to preserve the surface decoration.

Authenticity & Care

Attribution to the Yongle–Xuande period rests on stylistic analysis and the documentation available and should be treated as probable without in-hand metallurgical testing or inscriptional evidence. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

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