Blue Robe, Held Orb

Viewing notes

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

This polychrome seated figure wears a blue robe beneath a flame-red aureole. His black hair is bound in a topknot under a small gold crown, his long black beard hangs straight down the centre of his chest, and his lashes are lowered in meditative stillness. The sapphire-blue robe is alive with pattern: golden cloud-dragons move across its surface, sleeves and hems turn back orange-red edged borders, the collar closes in layers of gold cord, and at the centre of his chest a large lotus with blue petals and a gold heart commands the eye. Both hands rest folded in his lap, palms cradling a golden orb above a dark red cloud-shaped rest. Behind him, the pointed-leaf aureole is carved all over in deep red, its inner golden disc radiating like a sun, a green lotus at the tip and small attendant figures at its sides. Below, the lotus throne steps through a blue petal band and teal-gold petals to a round red base. The calm of blue against the ardour of red — a steadying presence for a shrine or any room that needs composure.