Bronze Buddha Flame, 15th C

A bronze Buddha Flame or “Ushnisha”, Thailand, circa 15-16th Century.

The Ushnisha is the tridimensional shape on top of Buddha’s head. In ancient scriptures, it is the symbol of his Enlightenment. While this “crown” has adopted many shapes by different schools through the centuries, the flame was adopted by Sri-Lankan and Khmer traditions and expanded throughout Southeast Asia, being frequently found in classic Thai Buddha depictions. This Buddha Ushnisha Flame, reclaimed from an ancient statue, is very well preserved and exhibits a desirable patina conferred by time and the elements. Free-resting on a black metal/wood stand.