Figure of Buddha, XIX century.

Figure of Buddha, XIX century.
In copper.
Measurements: 70 x 50 x 22 cm.
Sculpture of great beauty and quality, round bulk made of bronze, representing Buddha sitting in the lotus position, performing a mudra with his hands, on a high and stepped pedestal, in the form of double lotus flower, richly worked in relief, with petals inscribed on each other and scrolls inside. The figure wears a tunic that covers one of his arms and leaves the torso uncovered, meticulously engraved with motifs of synthesized vegetal scrolls that evoke the work of embroidery or brocade of a rich fabric. As the only additional adornment, two sinuous veils falling from his ears, topped by palmettes, with parallel folds.
Buddha is shown performing the Bhumisparsa mudra, or gesture of touching the Earth, which represents Buddha taking the Earth as a witness. It alludes to the moment in which Buddha solved the problem of ending suffering when he was under the tree in Bodhi-Gaya. It is usually represented in the images of the historical Buddha (Sakyamuni) and Asobhya, with the figure seated in the lotus position. The right hand touches the ground with the index finger near the right knee, and the left hand is usually shown resting on the leg, palm up.
In addition we can identify numerous lakshana, iconographic symbols that identify the Buddhas and bodhisattvas. The first we see is the bun hairstyle, symbol of meditation, concentrated spiritual life and wisdom. It is a delicate work based on spirals grouped together to form small cones, topped by an acorn-shaped ornament. We can also see the eyelids folded, symbol of spiritual concentration and also of purity, due to their similarity to the lotus petals, and they complete a serene face with a sketched smile, symbol of the balance and serenity of a perfect being. The elongated earlobes allude to the large earrings worn by members of the upper classes in India contemporary to Sakyamuni, and represent the concepts of greatness, nobility and wisdom. Other lakshana present here are the folds in the neck that symbolize happiness, and various symbols that allude to the spiritual character of Buddha, to his spiritual power proper to a cosmic being: soles of the feet and palms of the hands of extremely soft aspect, long fingers and toes, almost invisible ankles, tall and narrow torso, hidden genitals, soft and delicate skin, etc.