Very Rare Early Meiji Era Imperial Japan Baby Buddha Cast Bronze Sculpture in A Gesture And Mudra Of Pointing Toward Heaven And Earth. High quality, deep casting with fine serene face, robe and details. Mudra is a Sanskrit word meaning a symbolic hand gesture that has the power of producing joy and happiness. The position of hands influences our physical, emotional and spiritual energy.
A rare and unusual piece taken from previous historical models from the Chinese Ming Dynasty infant Buddha. The young Prince Siddhartha, who would grow up to become the Buddha, is portrayed standing, one hand pointing to the sky, the other to the ground. He is naked, save for a baby apron decorated with a lotus pattern, one of the symbols of Buddhism.
This figure of the Buddha represents an event just after his birth in the Lumbini Grove, where he sprang from Queen Maya's side, able to talk and walk. His first action was to point one hand towards the sky, the other towards the earth, and proclaim: "As in the Heavens above, and the Earth below, I alone am the World Honored One. All that exists in the Three Worlds is suffering, but I will bring comfort." Upon this proclamation, the infant Buddha and his mother, Queen Maya, were showered with fragrant blossoms, and streams of pure water.
Figures of the Infant Buddha are often venerated on the Buddha's birthday, where they are showered with purified water.

Dimensions High 12.5" inch, Width 4.75" inch / All measurements are approximate / Item in antique condition, Please refer to photos