The Buddha and His Guardian

Viewing notes

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

This wood-toned group pairs a central Buddha with a guardian attendant. The Buddha sits in full lotus on a great lotus throne, his snail-curl hair deep blue and a swastika mark at his chest, both hands cradling a small golden lotus in his lap. Behind him the aureole rises high, its outer rim gathering into a flame-tip point while inner rings of radiating lines open layer upon layer. At his left stands the guardian, dark brown all over, muscles swelling, eyes glaring and nose long, his sashes whipping as he leans on a tall staff and treads on clouds — dark against the central figure's pale wood tone, motion against stillness. The throne rests on a carved square seat, with a few small fruits placed beside it. Complete in presence and clear in hierarchy, the group suits enshrinement as a whole in a shrine, or display as a substantial focal piece in a large space.