A Sri Lankan Copper Alloy Standing Buddha

Kandyan period, 18th or 19th century, a standing Buddha dressed in long robes with wavy line detail that falls from over one shoulder, with right arm raised and left arm lower by his side, a distinctive flaming ushnisha tops his head, his large flat feet rest on a double lotus petal incised base.

18 1/2 in.

From the Estate of the late Businessman and Conservationist, Russell M. Leiman, Durham, North Carolina Russell Leiman built a significant portion of his career in Asian financial and corporate markets. Based in the major business centers of Hong Kong and Tokyo in the 1970s and 1980s, he advised and managed operations for global firms entering Asian markets, navigating the region’s diverse regulatory environments and rapidly growing economies. His expertise centered on structuring investments, developing multinational business strategies, and aligning Western corporate objectives with the business culture and market realities of East and Southeast Asia. At 50 years old, he moved his focus from finance to philanthropy, becoming deeply involved with The Nature Conservancy in Asia, where he helped apply private-sector financial models to support conservation initiatives across the region.

For similar sculptures that have sold at auction see: Bonhams, Hong Kong, 29 March 2018, Lot 32, and Bonhams, New York, 13 March 2017, Lot 3112. Additionally, see similar examples in Ulrich von Schroeder's book, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes.

With old patina to surface; general rubbing and wear consistent with age; scattered traces of gilt to surface; .a nick to face on one cheek; slightly loose to its mount; surface wear and discoloration to base.