A LARGE LACQUER-GILT WOOD FIGURE OF BUDDHA MUCHALINDA Burma, 18th-19th century or earlier. Finely lacquered with gilt over a red and black ground. Seated in dhyanasana atop a double lotus base, his right hand lowered in bhumisparsa mudra and the left resting on his lap, sheltered by a giant naga towering above his head. The serene face with downcast eyes and full lips forming a subtle smile. Provenance: Galerie Soin, Munich, Germany, 18 November 1990. Swiss private collection, acquired from the above. A copy of the original invoice from Galerie Soin, showing a purchase price of DEM 6,000,- (equivalent to approx. EUR 6,200 in today's currency after inflation), accompanies this lot. Condition: Extensive wear and losses to wood and lacquer, natural age cracks, signs of weathering, material deterioration, possibly minor touchups and old fills. Weight: 9.8 kg (incl. stand) Dimensions: Height 73 cm (excl. stand) and 80 cm (incl. stand) Mounted on an associated modern stand. (2) Literature comparison: Compare a related but earlier lacquered and gilt wood figure of Buddha Muchalinda, dated mid-13th to mid-14th century, in the collection of the National Gallery of Australia, illustrated in Ron Radford (editor), Collection Highlights: National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, 2008.