Right Buddha with Cup

Viewing notes

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

This golden seated Buddha forms the right-hand member of a matched set of three. Snail-curl hair is drawn high with a 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 cradles a small golden stemmed cup before the lap; the left lies lightly over the left knee, fingertips falling naturally. The robe is gold throughout, edged with red lines, woven over with fine coloured patterning, its sash knotted in red beneath the chest. Behind rises a pointed, leaf-shaped openwork aureole in silver and gold, its vines opening into golden lotuses set with red beads; the throne's tiered petals carry small red, blue and green stones. Of the three poses this is the most open — a held cup against a resting hand leaves room to breathe — suited to enshrinement with its companions, or to stand at the side of a hall, answering the central figure from a distance.