Laos, 18th–19th Century, Representation Of Shakyamuni Buddha, Solid Silver

Shakyamuni Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra

Laos
18th–19th century

The Buddha is depicted seated on a high pedestal in the sattvaparyanka posture, with the right leg resting on the left. His right hand is placed on the knee in the bhumisparsha mudra (calling the Earth to witness), the fingers pointing toward the ground, while the left hand rests in his lap with the palm turned upward. The Enlightened One is dressed in the sanghati and uttarasanga, the monastic robes clinging closely to the body and leaving the right shoulder bare. A fold of fabric draped over the left shoulder extends toward the navel.
His deeply introspective face is characterized by half-closed eyes beneath heavy eyelids, surmounted by perfectly rounded eyebrows. A long aquiline nose rises above a mouth with fine lips forming a gentle, broad smile. The skull is covered with numerous small, clearly defined curls and topped by the ushnisha (cranial protuberance) from which emerges a tall rasmi. The pointed ears, with long lobes distended by the weight of ornaments once worn during his worldly life, curve outward.

The representation of this Buddha is part of the classical imagery of Buddhist statuary and refers to a specific episode in the life of the Enlightened One. As he approached Enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree, Mara, the god of insatiable desire, attempted to distract the Blessed One and claimed the throne of Awakening for himself. Unmoved by Mara’s repeated assaults, the Buddha, through this symbolic gesture, called the Earth to witness his resolve to attain complete Enlightenment.

Solid silver
9.5 × 4 cm
Visible wear and minor losses
Private collection

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