A BRONZE HAND OF BUDDHA Lot n° 1210

A BRONZE HAND OF BUDDHA Thailand, 17th - 18th century. Cast with thin and elongated fingers in the vitarka mudra gesture, which represents "the gesture of debate" - explaining the buddha's teachings, with a blossom to the center of the palm. Mounted on a later wood stand. Condition: Good condition with wear, casting irregularities and small nicks, dark patina with areas of malachite encrustation. Provenance: Formerly in the private Collection of Nils Nessim (1916-1974). Nils Nessim (1916-1974), was a Swedish businessman and carpet dealer, son of the Director and Carpet specialist Jean B Nessim (1887-1946). In 1942 he founded AB Nils Nessim in 1942, he expanded and in the 1960's he founded Nils Nessim International and Nils Nessims Antiques. Nils was early schooled in the carpet business by his father and went on many business trips to acquire carpets and goods for the stores. He travelled the world and built up an impressive collection of Antiques and Asian Works of Art alongside the carpet business. In 1959 he became the first westerner to be allowed to export antiques from China. Weight: 416 g Dimensions: Height 15.5 cm