This is an exceptional bronze Buddha statue from the Bagan Empire of Myanmar, dating to the 12th century. The piece has been authenticated by a thermoluminescence dating test.
​The Buddha is depicted seated in the full lotus position (padmasana) on an ornate, multi-tiered lotus throne. His right hand is in the Bhumisparsha mudra ("earth-touching" gesture), symbolizing the moment of his enlightenment when he called upon the earth goddess to witness his awakening. His left hand rests in his lap in the dhyana mudra of meditation.
​The face has a serene, meditative expression, with downcast eyes and a subtle smile. The hair is rendered in tight curls, surmounted by a small, pointed ushnisha (cranial protuberance), a sign of his enlightenment. The robe is draped simply over the left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder bare. The statue has a beautiful, rich dark patina, indicative of its age.
​The piece stands at 35 cm in height. Although there is a small loss at the back of the throne, it does not detract from the overall beauty and significance of this rare and well-documented example of Bagan art.
Black stand provided together with the piece.