Seated Buddha

Japan

Not on view

This small image probably represents Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, in his enlightened state, seated in the posture of meditation. Short whorls of hair (rahotsu) cover the head, and a cranial protuberance symbolizes his profound wisdom. The hands, which were cast separately, would have formed the characteristic mudras associated with his image: the right, raised and open in a gesture of reassurance, represents the benevolent gift of life without fear that is the result of Buddhist enlightenment; the left, resting on the knee with palm open, extended to the worshipper in a gesture of offering, symbolizes the fulfillment of the Buddha's vow to attain enlightenment and to teach it to all sentient beings.

Seated Buddha, Gilt bronze, Japan

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Seated Buddha, Gilt bronze, Japan
Seated Buddha, Gilt bronze, Japan
Seated Buddha, Gilt bronze, Japan
Seated Buddha, Gilt bronze, Japan
Seated Buddha, Gilt bronze, Japan
Seated Buddha, Gilt bronze, Japan

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