A STONE CARVING OF A SEATED MONK

China
Song dynasty
12th century

The young monk is seated in the lotus position in meditation. His hands rest in his lap - the fingers and tips of thumbs touching each other in Dhyana mudra, or the gesture of absolute balance. He wears a long sleeved robe that falls in rhythmic folds all around the body - crossing over at the slightly exposed chest, and partly secured by an animal head and ring clasp below his right shoulder. The large head is bald, the ears exaggerated, and the facial expression one of complete calm - with eyes slightly open and lips curling into a slight smile.

Height: 15½" / 9.5 cm