Chinese Seated Figure of Buddha on Lotus Base

One hand raised, one at rest, and a surface like still black water.

This seated figure of Buddha on a lotus base is lacquered wood from China, early 20th century. Lacquer, built up in layers from tree sap, has been used in Chinese sculpture for well over a thousand years. The surface here is glossy black, with red and gold along the hems of the robe. His right hand is raised, the left rests near the lap, and small curls cap the head. Gold outlines the petals of the wide base, under a row of gold beads. Sixty-three inches high and 50 wide.

A room would do well to quiet down around it.