Buddha. Burma, Shan State. 19th century.

Buddha. Burma, Shan State. 19th century.
Tai Yai ethnic group,
Bronze.
In good general condition.
Measurements: 32 x 15 x 7 cm.

Bronze sculpture belonging to the Tai Chai ethnic group. It presents a quality work and delicate chiseled details. It is a seated Buddha in the posture of the lotus flower and performs a mudra that symbolizes that he takes the earth as a witness. The symmetry of his physiognomic features express serenity, the closed eyelids indicate meditation, the elongated earlobes symbolize nobility and wisdom. The carefully carved headdress is inspired by the shape of a stupa. The bhumi sparsha mudra ('gesture of touching the Earth', being bhumi: 'the planet Earth'; and sparsha: 'to touch') represents the moment when Buddha solved the problem of ending suffering when he was under the Bodhi tree. Usually depicted by the historical Buddha and seated in the lotus position, as in this bronze. The right hand touches the ground with the fingertips; the left hand rests on the leg with the palm facing up.