Buddha Golden Wood Burma Late Nineteenth Early Twentieth

This sculpture depicts the historical Buddha, seated cross-legged on a throne, his right hand pointing downwards, and the left in his lap facing upwards. This position is said to be "taking the earth as a witness", or also the position of Buddha who repelled the armies of Mara (Bhumisparsa Mudra). In his left hand he holds the fruit of the Asian plum tree, symbolizing his spiritual and physical healing power through his teaching. He wears the monastic robe, the folds here are drawn with care and harmony, his beautiful internalized expression personifying concentration and humility. His headdress sports a protrusion (Isnisa) and the lobes of his ears are distended, in accordance with the iconographic tradition. On the reverse, floral, aquatic and symbolic motifs evoke a mint mark or a family coat of arms. On the back, two engraved lines of auspicious text. Lacquered wood gilded with gold leaf, slight surface wear, marks of time, two small chips at the end of the toga just above the base, no restoration, good general condition, see photos Burma , late 19th century-early 20th century Dimensions: 13.5 x 7.6 x 4.5 cm Provenance: Former Dutch private collection Sold with certificate of authenticity Guaranteed origin and period