Nepalese Amitabha Buddha Seated in Dhyana Mudra

Seated figure with tight curls and a gentle expression holds a small bowl in the lap.

This amitabha Buddha seated in dhyana mudra is from Nepal, and dates to the 20th century. It is copper & silver. The Pure Land sect, practiced primarily in East Asia, revolves around Amitabha, seen as guardian of the western paradise, which is why he sits in the western position of mandalas. Glossy, coppery brown figure sitting cross-legged with hands joined in the lap, eyes lowered and a small knob on the crown of the head. A patterned border trims the robe, and the oval base is carved with petals. It is 8.5 inches wide, 6 deep and 12.5 high.

Polished to a warm glow and utterly unhurried.