A Pearl Above the Reclining Elephant

Viewing notes

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

This golden monk-form seated figure is backed by an oval aureole edged with flames and patterned with clouds and dragons, rising to a point. The head is shaven with a jewel at the crown and an urna between the brows; the golden face is still, smiling with lowered eyes. The pose is easy: one leg folded, one foot lowered, the right hand resting on the knee and the left cradling a round golden pearl at the lap. Robes fall from the shoulders in layers, drapery flowing like water from the knees to the seat. Beneath sits a great white elephant, lying couched on the clouds, its head emerging beside the figure, trunk gently curled, golden ornaments and a bell on its brow, eyelids half closed — gentle as if asleep. The whole group rests on a base of blue-grey auspicious clouds, their heads curling into pattern. Golden figure, white elephant, blue clouds: steadiness with warmth in it. Made for devotion, or for a bright place in a living room or entry — solemn without pressing on anyone, softening the heart first.