Nepalese Seated Figure of Buddha

One hand reaches down to touch the earth, and the rest of him is entirely still.

This seated figure of Buddha comes from Nepal, 20th century, made of copper. Metalworkers in Nepal have long made Buddhist images for temples and household shrines, and the gesture seen here, the right hand touching the ground, recalls the moment of his enlightenment. He sits cross-legged on a lotus base with lowered eyes, tight curls and a mark at the brow. Fine scrollwork is engraved across the robe, set against smooth bare skin polished to a warm brown. Ten and three quarter inches high.

A calm this complete does not need much explaining.