Dry Lacquer Gilt Wood Buddha Statue
Shakyamuni
Earth Pointing Gesture
Circa: Edo, 19th Century
H 6.5" (14cm.), W 4.7" (12cm.), D 2.5" (7cm.)
Condition: hollow core, minor losses

Lacquered overall in gold covered with a reddish varnish, this rare dry lacquer on wood core Earth Pointing Buddha is both noble and austere. In style the graceful form of this meditating Buddha is alluded to the geometrical equilibrium in traditional Chinese design. Shakyamuni is seated in dhyanasana on a double lotus base with beaded rims, hands in bhumisparsa mudra, wearing a voluminous robe with bared chest, delicately modeled features in a serene expression, large extended eyebrows and hair arranged in tight curls, atop of his head a deep red protruding ushnisha, an indication of it Japanese origin, and the statue can be tentatively attributed to the 19th century Edo eras.

Private Collection