Antique Buddha in Earth Witnessing Posture, SE Asia, 19th Century(3160BEME) $6800

Description

This extraordinary carving is Shakyamuni Buddha in the Earth Witnessing hand position called Bhumisparsha. It is one of the four major events in his life – his Birth, Enlightenment, First Sermon and Death – which are most often portrayed in Southeast Asian Theravada Buddhism. His right hand symbolically reaches to touch the earth to call the Earth Goddess to witness the moment of his enlightenment. With copper color lacquer and a final gilt lacquer finish, it displays characteristics of both Cambodian and Lao Buddha conservative and traditional images: golden skin, smiling thick lips indicating the Buddha knows all things, a narrow fillet band at the hairline, large conical finial symbolizing the flames of Buddhism, unusually extended curved earlobes with spirals inside that flare out extending to his shoulders. He sits on a high multi-tiered throne covered with an elaborately carved ceremonial cloth as a sign of respect. The carving shows many of the Buddha’s 32 “auspicious marks” (Lakshanas) specified in an ancient Pali canon including golden skin; a well-formed nose; elongated body, face, arms, ears and hands with fingers of equal length. His simple monk’s robes are elegantly embellished with green enamel on his sash, sleeve, border and his hairline to enliven what is mostly a red and gilt piece. The masterful face with eyes half closed emphasize his calm and quiet concentration. This special carving should ideally be placed in a meditative space in a home or office.