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A mid 19th century Child Buddha, vietnamese-chinese style. This exquisite sculpture, a representation of the youthful Buddha Shakyamuni, is meticulously crafted from lacquered and gilded wood. The profound symbolism embedded in this art piece is immediately evident: the Buddha's left hand gracefully points upwards, while the right extends towards the earth, symbolizing his spiritual connection with both realms. Sculptures featuring the Child Buddha have been a longstanding presence in Chinese art since the Ming dynasty, and they share artistic roots with the vibrant traditions of nearby Vietnam.

What sets this sculpture apart is the distinctiveness of its lacquer and gilding, coupled with the unique lotus-shaped base, revealing its Vietnamese origins. The intertwining colors and the lotus motif not only capture the eye but also convey a deep cultural significance. It's said that upon his birth, Prince Siddartha, later to become the Buddha, took seven steps, and with each step, a lotus flower bloomed – a poignant story imbued within this art piece. Measuring 42 by 13 centimeters, the sculpture's condition is visible in the accompanying photos, showing a fair state of preservation, with a notable loss of the right hand.

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