A TIBETAN GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI

14TH CENTURY

Seated in dhyanasana upon a beaded double lotus base, he holds his left hand in dhyana mudra whilst extending his right hand towards the ground in bhumisparsha mudra, with a loose robe draped around his shoulders and torso, the borders incised with floral decoration, his serene face framed by his pierced elongated earlobes, with traces of cold painting to his hair, the base engraved with a visvavajra mark, 14cm, 589g.

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.