figure (ritual & belief: representations); Buddha image

Seated figure representing the Buddha Sakyamuni, the historical Buddha. Tightly curled hair covering an usnisa, a protuberance on top of his head. Long ear lobes, an urna between the downcast eyes and a serene smile. Seated in a lotus posture, padmasana, the meditation position, with legs folded at knees, feet crossed and soles upward. His left hand is in the dhyana mudra, 'gesture of meditation'; while his right hand is in the bhumisparsha mudra, 'the gesture of touching the earth'. Dressed in a robe covering both shoulders with engraved lotus scroll bands at the hem. A swastika design, the symbol of Buddha's heart, is engraved on his bare chest; the dharmachakra design (Wheel of the Law), a symbol of the dharma, teaching of the Buddha, is engraved on his left palm and both soles. This hollow cast bronze figure is covered in gold using a gilding process.

Collection Information

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