Provenance:
The Collection of William S. Arnett, Atlanta, Georgia
Exhibited:
On loan to the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, 1974
Sakyamuni Buddha sits in vajrasana upon a broad lotus base with large, rounded petals. His right hand is lowered in bhumisparsa mudra, the gesture associated with his enlightenment, while the left rests across his lap. His broad features are framed by elongated earlobes and surmounted by an ushnisha formed from small, closely arranged curls. Lowered eyes, arched brows, and softly formed lips shape the features, while a small circular urna appears at the center of the forehead. Three horizontal lines cross the neck, another traditional mark associated with the Buddha.
The hair is painted deep blue, following a long-established convention in Buddhist imagery. Gilding across the head and body contrasts with the dark robe, which falls diagonally across the chest and over the crossed legs. The robe is covered with small gilt floral motifs and bordered by bands of patterned decoration. These continue across the sleeves and lower garment, following the folds of the robe and the contours of the seated figure.
