East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A magnificent gilt-brass statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, seated in the dhyanasana (full lotus) position atop a lotus pedestal, with hands in the Bhumisparsa (Earth Witness) mudra. His robes drape naturalistically over his body, the hem delicately etched with a foliate motif. His hair, painted a deep blue, consists of finely rendered curls covered in a thick lacquer. The practice of depicting blue hair became widespread in later Buddhist art, particularly in Tibetan as well as Ming and Qing Dynasty sculptures, as part of a standardized visual representation of the Buddha. The Bhumisparsa mudra, also known as "Calling the Earth to Witness" or "Subduing Mara," represents the pivotal moment before enlightenment, with the Buddha seated in meditation - his left hand resting in his lap with the palm facing upward, while his right hand reaches downward, touching the earth as a testament to his awakening. Size: 6.25" L x 5" W x 9.3" H (15.9 cm x 12.7 cm x 23.6 cm); gold quality: 8.4% to 19.4%
Provenance: private Lafayette, Colorado, USA collection
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#191835
Condition
Some rubbing and losses to gilt pigment, but overall great remains. Intact and excellent.