Burmese Seated Buddha with Bhumisparsa Mudra

One hand reaches down and touches the earth. That is the whole story.

This seated Buddha comes from Burma and dates to the early 20th century, made of gilded and lacquered wood with glass. The gesture is the bhumisparsha mudra, in which the Buddha calls the earth to witness at the moment of his enlightenment, and it is among the most familiar poses in Burmese Buddhist art. Gold covers the calm face and long earlobes. Dark lacquer shows along the right arm and hand, red along the base, and a band of insets edges the hairline. 23.5 inches high.

The gaze stays low, and the hand stays where it is.