Rare Vintage, Antiques and Art Collector / Curator / Personal Shopper From Japan
Early Ming Dynasty Gilt Bronze Seated Buddha, Yongle–Xuande Style Chinese Buddhist Sculpture (Antique, 100+ Years)
Early Ming Dynasty Gilt Bronze Seated Buddha, Yongle–Xuande Style Chinese Buddhist Sculpture (Antique, 100+ Years)
Couldn't load pickup availability
Have a reasonable price in mind? Submit your best offer and our concierge will review it personally.
Early Ming Dynasty Gilt Bronze Seated Buddha
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 surfaces are richly adorned with engraved and gilt floral scrollwork, a decorative approach associated with 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. The combination of weight, finish, and iconographic restraint suggests devotional use within a religious or institutional context.
Condition is consistent with an antique gilt-bronze Buddhist sculpture. Surface wear, localized gilt loss, and patina reflect age and ritual handling. No modern restoration is assumed without in-hand examination. The work should be understood as a devotional image valued for craftsmanship, proportion, and historical continuity.
Key Facts
- Object type: Seated Buddha sculpture
- Material: Cast bronze with gilt decoration
- Dimensions: Height approx. 50 cm; width approx. 33.5 cm
- Weight: Approx. 16.5 kg
- Period: Early Ming dynasty style (Yongle–Xuande)
- Customs: HS Code 9706.00 | Country of Origin: China
Shipping & Logistics
- Estimated object weight: 16.5 kg
- Safe packed weight: ~28–32 kg
- Shipping method: EMS / courier possible with professional packing
Confidence & Verification Notes
Attribution to the Yongle–Xuande period is based on stylistic analysis and seller description and should be treated as probable without in-hand metallurgical testing or inscriptional evidence.
Explore the Collection
To browse related sacred works and Buddhist articles curated under the same standards, explore our Buddhist Statues & Sacred Art collection.
Authenticity & Stewardship
Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:
- Material, carving, and surface-study comparison
- Iconographic and stylistic verification
- Condition and stability review (surface integrity)
- Construction assessment and handling-risk evaluation
Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.
A Note on Stewardship and Collecting
At Japonista, we approach Buddhist statues, sacred images, and ritual objects not merely as collectibles, but as cultural and spiritual artifacts deserving of respect, understanding, and careful presentation. Every piece we offer is thoughtfully examined, researched, and curated with sensitivity to its origin, meaning, and historical role.
Our role is not only to offer access to rare and meaningful objects, but to serve as responsible custodians—connecting the right works with collectors who value depth, intention, and authenticity.
Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration
Some sacred works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.
If you are exploring a particular theme, deity, lineage, or period—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our concierge team is always available to assist with quiet expertise and care.
Concierge Support & Collector Guidance
Japonista Concierge™ provides personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, thoughtful acquisition, or long-term curation strategies. Whether your interest is devotional, scholarly, or aesthetic, we are here to help guide your journey with clarity and respect.
For select high-value or historically significant works, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and discreet options.
Before Proceeding
We kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and conditions specific to vintage, sacred, and collectible works.
A Closing Note
Thank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of Buddhist statues, sacred art, and spiritual artifacts. We are honored to share these meaningful works and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and respected.
If you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.
Curatorial note: Gilt bronze Buddhist sculptures require stable humidity and careful handling to preserve surface decoration.
