Antique Indonesian Style Seated Bronze Javanese Teaching Buddha - 27cm/11"
Measures (Height) 27cm/11"
An Indonesian (Java) seated Teaching Buddha in 13th century Majapahit style.
The Buddha is seated, in the vajra position with his right leg is panhandle resting upon a lotus flower. The lotus flower represents purity, compassion and the giving of great joy to all.
The Buddha is seated on a double lotus flower base with his right foot resting on a separate lotus flower. The lotus bud pedestal is set upon a simple square pedestal.
The lotus flower represents the attaining of enlightenment and the ultimate fulfilment that follows. This symbol is heavily used in Eastern religions, which is why it can appear as both a held item or a seat. Some say that as the lotus flower grows in dirty water but becomes something beautiful, it demonstrates how we must forget our attachments to the material world around us and focus on our inner spirituality in order to seek happiness.
His robe is draped over his left shoulder, and a portion of the garment that covers the left wrist falls behind the figure. The lower hem of the robe comes all the way down so that the under-cloth or skirt is completely covered.
An aureole or halo sits behind the head of the Buddha. This circle of light symbolise his divinity. He holds his hands in front of his chest in the dharmachakra mudra. In sanskrit dharmachakra means the 'Wheel of Dharma'.
This mudra symbolises one of the most important moments in the life of Buddha, the occasion when he preached to his companions the first sermon after his Enlightenment in the Deer Park at Sarnath. It therefore denotes the setting into motion of the Wheel of the teaching of the Dharma. In this mudra the thumb and index finger touch at their tips to form a circle. This circle represents the Wheel of Dharma, or in metaphysical terms, the union of method and wisdom. This symbolises generosity. The detail and patina of the piece are delightful.
In his hands he holds a kalasha. The kalasha is considered a symbol of abundance. The Kalasha is believed to contain amrita, the elixir of life, and thus is viewed as a symbol of abundance, wisdom, and immortality.
Provenance: Ex- private Singapore collection. All items are guaranteed to be as described. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases upon request.
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