Left Buddha with Lotus Bud

Viewing notes

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

This golden seated Buddha forms the left member of a matched set of three. Dark snail-curl hair is drawn up with a small golden roundel at the front, a swastika marks the chest, and the eyes rest lowered above a full-lotus seat on a double golden lotus throne. The right hand hangs before the knee, palm down; the left cradles a golden lotus bud in the lap. The robe is gold throughout, edged with red lines and woven all over with fine coloured patterning, its sash tied in a small red knot beneath the chest. Behind rises a pointed, leaf-shaped openwork aureole in silver and gold, its scrolling vines opening into golden lotuses set with red beads. The throne's petals flare in tiers, inlaid with red, blue and green stones. Radiant yet inward — made to be enshrined alongside its companion pieces, or to hold a hall's solemn centre on its own.