Burmese Wood Seated Buddha: Sukhothai Style Depicting Bhumisparsha Mudra

A long spire rises from the head, and the eye goes up with it.

This seated Buddha, in the Sukhothai style, comes from Burma and dates to the early 20th century, made of gilded and lacquered wood. His right hand shows the bhumisparsha mudra, reaching to the earth to witness his enlightenment. Images like it were commissioned by lay Buddhists to earn merit and given to monasteries or kept at home. Red lacquer survives across the robe and legs, broken by black and traces of gold, and the eyes are picked out in white. 28.5 inches high.

The hand stays on the ground. The spire keeps going.