The 15th and 16th centuries represent the golden age of the Kingdom of Lan Xang, known as the Kingdom of a Million Elephants and the White Parasol, founded in 1353 by Fa Ngum. This period was marked by political consolidation, the deep-rooted establishment of Theravāda Buddhism, and an unprecedented cultural and artistic flourishing in the Mekong basin.
 
This remarkable sculpture depicts the Buddha seated in the earth-touching gesture.
The face is distinguished by half-closed eyes, a straight and prominent nose, and a full-lipped mouth forming a subtle smile. The ears terminate in long, elongated lobes. The monastic robe, rendered with great sobriety, is indicated by a border running diagonally across the chest and by a long vertical fold descending over the torso. This economy of modelling reinforces the overall line of the figure and its meditative character.
 
The surface is one of the most remarkable aspects of the work. The copper alloy displays particularly extensive ancient mineralisation, combining areas of green and blue-green with reddish-brown and copper-coloured zones, including malachite, azurite and cuprite. This mineralisation is deeply integrated into the irregularities and alterations of the surface and now contributes fully to the archaeological character of the sculpture.
 
Condition: Examination of the piece reveals a dense and complex surface, with wear, minor losses, pitting, concretions and surface alterations. An opening is visible at the top of the head. The left hand also displays visible old cracks/breaks. The lower section is missing. The Buddha was probably originally seated upon a throne.