† A LARGE CHINESE CELADON JADE FIGURE OF BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI

MID 20TH CENTURY, THE BASE PERHAPS EARLIER

Carved seated in dhyanasana with his right hand in bhumisparsha mudra, depicted wearing loose flowing robes which reveal his bare chest, his tranquil face framed by his pierced elongated earlobes, the stone of an even pale greyish-green tone, all raised on a separate beaded double lotus base with russet inclusions, 26.5cm overall. (2)

Provenance: purchased in New York in the 1950s.

The iconography depicted presents the historical Buddha in the earth-witness gesture. This refers to when Shakyamuni triumphed over the demon Mara, who was attempting to divert him from his objective of becoming enlightened through meditation. When Mara challenged Shakyamuni's right to enlightenment, Shakyamuni moved his hand from his lap to touch the ground with his middle finger, calling the earth to witness his entitlement to spiritual enlightenment. Shakyamuni's unshakable resolve forced Mara and his army of demons to flee; moments later, Shakyamuni attained enlightenment.