Holding the Pagoda

Viewing notes

A viewer's written impression — not a buyer review or first-hand record

This standing Buddha in a warm wood tone lifts a small pagoda in one hand. His snail-curl hair is tinted deep blue, with a single gold jewel set at the crown, and behind him rises a tall pointed aureole. He stands with eyes lowered, the right hand hanging open at his side, while the left hand cradles a miniature tiered pagoda before his chest. Robes fall from both shoulders in long, layered folds that ripple over the chest and below the knees like slow water before settling at his feet. The aureole is carved edge to edge with curling clouds and flowing lines that gather to a point, setting off the upright figure. Beneath him, two tiers of rounded lotus petals rest on an octagonal plinth carved with fret and floral scrolls. Dense carving and quiet drapery hold each other in balance — a serene presence for the principal place of a shrine, or for a calm corner of any room.