BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI

Tibet/Nepal, 18th century
Large sculpture of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, dressed in a monk`s robe called a dhoti with a decorative floral motif at the hem, seated in a lotus position vadraparivartanasana on a lotus pedestal. The right hand is in the Bhumisparsha mudra (gesture of touching the earth, symbolizing the moment of enlightenment), while the left hand is in the Dhyana mudra (meditation gesture). The sculpture is made of chiselled bronze with a hot gilded finish, and there are remnants of polychrome on the hair. Originally sealed. Carved text of mantra on the back, h. 25 cm.