Figura de Buda; Tailandia, siglo XVI

Buddha figure; Thailand, 16th century.
Bronze.
Size: 105 x 83 x 46 cm.
Bronze representation of Buddha. Of Thai origin, dating from the 16th century. He is seated in the lotus position, performing the bhumi sparsa mudra, or gesture of touching the Earth, which represents Buddha taking the Earth as a witness. It alludes to the moment when Buddha solved the problem of ending suffering when he was under the tree in Bodh-Gaya. It is usually depicted in the images of the historical Buddha (Sakyamuni) and Asobhya. The right hand touches the ground near the right knee, and the left hand is usually shown resting on the leg. In addition, the representation shows several "lakshana", iconographic symbols that identify the Buddhas and bodhisattvas. The first is the bun or double-skulled hairstyle (ushnisha), a symbol of meditation, concentrated spiritual life and wisdom. The eyelids are a symbol of spiritual concentration and purity, because of their similarity to the petals of the lotus, and complete a serene face with a sketched smile, a symbol of the balance and serenity of a perfect being. The elongated earlobes allude to the large earrings worn by members of the upper classes in India at the time of Sakyamuni, and represent the concepts of greatness, nobility and wisdom. Another "lakshana" present here are the folds on the neck, symbolising happiness.