A gilt bronze figure of Buddha, 16th/17th century, Tibet

A vajra is engraved on the base before the figure; this indicates that he is Gautama Buddha of the Vajrasana - meaning the 'diamond throne' that represents the seat of enlightenment. Siddhartha Gautama is a historical figure thought to have been born in the sixth century B.C.; he lived as a prince before embarking on an ascetic life and, after many years of meditation, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.


The Buddha is seated in padmasana on a double lotus throne that is sealed with the original base plate - the petals decorating the front half only. His right hand is in the earth touching mudra, or bhumisparsa, invoking the earth as a witness to the truth and wisdom of his words; his left hand is turned palm upwards above the lap in dhyana, the meditation mudra. He is dressed in a tightly fitting ankle length robe with a double beaded border and engraved floral fringe; this falls from the left shoulder - leaving the right shoulder and arm exposed. The ushnisha (top knot), urna at the centre of the forehead, and elongated ears further signify his wisdom and Buddhahood.


Height: 23.5 cm


Similar example: 'Indo-Tibetan Bronzes' by Ulrich Von Schroeder, Visual Dharma Publications Ltd., Hong Kong, 1981 - page 363, plate 97E.