The Teaching Seal

Viewing notes

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

This polychrome Buddha sits in full lotus, figure and robes alike in one bright, warm yellow. His curled hair is black, a small urna dot sits between his brows, his eyes are lowered, and a swastika marks his chest. Both hands meet before his chest, fingertips lightly touching, forming the seal of teaching. The bright yellow robe drapes diagonally over his left shoulder, its surface scattered with round floral medallions — orange, green and blue blooms opening one after another across the golden ground — and its edges are finished with fine gold lines. Below, the lotus throne has two tiers: an upper ring of blue-grey petals outlined in gold, each petal centred with a tiny red lotus, and a lower spread of orange petals painted with delicate foliage. A single colour carries the whole piece, yet the medallions and petals keep it from monotony — cheerful and dignified, suited to a shrine or to brightening a desk-side corner.