Bronze with Copper and silver inlays
Tibet , 15th century

Dimensions: Height 15,7 cm / Wide 11,2 cm Depth 7,8 cm
Weight: 925,4 grams

Finely cast in the form of Shakyamuni Buddha seated in vajraparyankasana on a double-lotus base with beaded edges, the right hand held in bhumisparsha mudra and the left in dhyana mudra, dressed in a robe draped loosely over the left shoulder partially revealing the chest. Serene face rendered with a meditative expression beneath an urna and flanked by long pendulous earlobes pierced with vertical slots, all beneath the domed ushnisha covered with tight curls and surmounted by a jewel, brilliantly gilded throughout, the base sealed and incised with a visvavajra.

The iconographic form in which the historical Buddha is seated, with his right hand in the earth-touching position, bhumisparsha mudra, recalls a momentous episode from his spiritual biography in which he triumphs over Mara just prior to his enlightenment. Having vowed to remain in meditation until he penetrated the mystery of existence, Shakyamuni was visited by Mara, a demon associated with the veils and distractions of mundane existence. The Buddha remained unmoved by all the pleasant and unpleasant distractions with which Mara sought to deflect him from his goal.