Gilded bronze figure ‘Shakyamuni’, Qing dynasty

Small sculpture cast in gilded bronze depicting Shakyamuni Buddha in meditation posture or ‘dhyana mudra’, seated in lotus position on an oval base. The right hand stretched out towards the ground makes the gesture of ‘bhumisparsha mudra’, symbol of his enlightenment. The serene face shows idealised features, with half-closed eyes and a prominent urn. The head has curls in relief and the body is covered by a robe with sharp folds that leave the right shoulder uncovered. The surface has a greenish patina due to oxidation. The base is closed and uninscribed. Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) or later.

Size: 4.5 x 2.5 x 3.8 cm

Weight: 81 g