Seated Buddha, early 19th century

Seated Buddha, early 19th century.
Seated on a pedestal inspired by Mount Meru.
Bronze.
The small tubes at the base were used to fix a pair of Buddhas accompanied by Sariputta and Moggallana (now lost).
Measurements: 34,5 x 32,2 x 12,5 cm.

Bronze representing Buddha seated in the posture of the lotus flower and performing with his hands the mudra of putting the earth as a witness. The throne on which he sits symbolizes, although synthesized in architectural form, the mythical Mount Meru (sacred mountain for Hindus and Buddhists). The figure performs the Bhumisparsha mudra with his hands. The symmetry of his physiognomic features express serenity, the closed eyelids indicate meditation, the elongated earlobes denote nobility and wisdom. The carefully carved headdress is inspired by the shape of a stupa. The bhumi sparsha mudra ('gesture of touching the Earth', being bhumi: 'the planet Earth'; and sparsha: 'to touch') represents the moment when Buddha solved the problem of ending suffering when he was under the Bodhi tree.