Indonesian Seated Figure of Buddha with Flame Ushnisha

Palms together, eyes lowered, and a small flame rising from the crown.

This seated figure of Buddha with a flame ushnisha comes from Mojokerto, Indonesia, 20th century, carved in river stone. The ushnisha, the raised form at the top of the head, marks the Buddha's wisdom, and a flame at its tip adds the idea of spiritual light. Images like this were made to give the faithful a focus for devotion and meditation. The figure sits cross-legged on a lotus base, hands joined at the chest, with robes falling in shallow incised folds. Tight rows of curls rise beneath the flame. The dark surface has a low sheen. It stands 27.5 inches high.

The flame asks nothing of anyone.