An unusual 18th century Burmese Arakan style red lacquered and richly gilt cast bronze figure of the Crowned Medicine Buddha, commonly referred to as Bhaishajyaguru.
The Supreme Healer is portrayed seated in vajrasana (full lotus position) upon a throne of nine elephants, symbolizing the practice of samatha, or calming the mind (mindfulness) - specifically the nine stages of calm abiding. The hand in his lap holds a jar of healing salve. His other hand rests gently on his knee in varada mudra, the gesture of wish fulfilling, offering a myrobalan seed, a fruit said to be capable of healing emotional ills.
The Healing Buddha...
Category
Burmese Antique Mid-18th Century Sculptures