This marble statue of the Buddha demonstrates the high degree of artistic refinement achieved through the artistic expression of religious and philosophical beliefs. In most Asian countries this becomes a canonical form, which distinguishes the Buddha from all other figures. Cross-legged in yogic posture, the Buddha touches the earth with the tips of his fingers, palm faced downward and arm fully extended-a symbolic gesture summoning the earth goddess to witness his right to sit beneath the tree of wisdom called the Bhumisparsha Mudra. It is the moment of enlightenment, the attainment of Buddha hood in which the transcendence is achieved. The sensation of tranquility and detachment experienced in this stage is evident in the facial features which are further enhanced by the smoothness and clarity of the medium. The Buddha's robe covers the left shoulder in the traditional monastic manner, is pleated at the edges and fans out over the base. All the parts of his body are perfectly proportioned, symmetrical, smooth and fully rounded: the shoulders are broad, and the hips narrow; his arms reach down to the knees and the lobes of his ears are distended. The general appearance associated with the Buddha characterizes him partly as a noble human being and ideal ruler and partly as superhuman. The elegance and spirituality of the Buddha form is well conceived in this Burmese marble representation.

Antiquities
Ancient Asian