The Golden Central Figure

Viewing notes

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

This fully golden standing Buddha is the central figure of a matching set of three. His dark snail-shell curls carry a small round jewel at the top; with lowered eyes he stands upright, his right hand gently forming a seal before his chest, his left cradling a small object in his lap, and a clear swastika mark centred on his chest. His robes fall from the shoulders in layered folds that flow like water in one unbroken sweep to his feet. Behind him towers a pointed aureole openworked edge to edge with rising dragons and flames, its round head-halo set against his curls, holding the central figure in perfect steadiness. Below, a great red-and-gold lotus throne with petal upon full petal stands on a round low platform. Of the three, he stands in the middle with the calmest gravity — made for the principal position of a shrine, flanked by the two bodhisattvas at his sides, a complete assembly in a single view.