Seated Buddha, anonymous, 900 - 1000

gild, h 12.5cm × w 9.7cm × d 11.7cm More details

The Buddha is here shown seated wearing the robes of a monk, his right hand folded downwards over his knee. This gesture refers to the fact that during meditation he touched the earth in order to defeat the forces of Mara, or illusion. Although gilded and decorated with depictions of two royal elephants on the base, this image nevertheless emphasizes stillness and serenity.