This is a bronze sculpture of the Buddha
Shakyamuni from Ming/Qing Dynasty.
Unlike the typical form at the time, this
Buddha is depicted with his ushnisha right
above his forehead. Seated in Vajrasana
posture, his hands perform the
Bhumisparsa mudra, in which his right hand
touches the ground and his left laid on his
lap. His right chest is visible, while the
sanghati is tied and held on his waist.
In principle, the Bhumisparsa mudra is a
gesture reserved for the Buddha
Shakyamuni. According to the life story of
the Buddha, the demon Mara questions the
Buddha’s enlightenment, saying that
nobody was there to witness the process.
The Buddha, with his right hand touching
the ground, proclaims that the Earth stands
witness to his enlightenment, and defeats
Mara in the process.
The details on the lotus pedestal provides
some hints for dating. The use of realistic
and detailed lotus petals and the carved out
base below the pedestal are prominent
features of Ming dynasty casting style.
