Burmese Seated Figure of Buddha

One hand touches the earth. The rest of him is entirely at peace.

This seated figure of Buddha comes from Burma and dates to the early 20th century. It is marble with pigment. Burmese Buddhists have long commissioned such images as acts of merit, placing them in monasteries, pagodas and homes. The right hand reaches down to touch the ground, the gesture that recalls the Buddha calling the earth to witness his enlightenment. Red pigment lingers in the folds of the robe, on the lips and across the studded hair, and the brows are drawn in fine black lines. Twenty-two and a half inches high and nineteen wide.

One hand on the ground. It is enough.