The Lowered Hand above Clouds

Viewing notes

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

This standing Buddha in a warm wood tone lowers one hand in a calming gesture. His hair is in snail curls over a rounded ushnisha, with an urna between the brows and a swastika at the chest; his eyes are lowered. The right hand hangs naturally at his side, palm forward, while the left is raised at the chest, fingers lightly holding a small object. The robe falls the length of the body in smooth arcs, its folds spreading like ripples before gathering at the feet. Beneath him there is no lotus throne but swirling clouds, scroll upon scroll, bearing him steadily aloft. The tone is a warm honey-orange with soft transitions of light through the folds. The lowered hand gives calm; the cloud base gives ease. A Buddha for the principal place of a shrine, or the calm centrepiece of a living room or entryway — dignified without heaviness.