Nepalese Seated Figure of Sakyamuni Buddha, with Silver Incising

One hand reaches down to touch the earth. The rest of him does not move.

This seated figure of Sakyamuni Buddha, with silver incising, comes from Nepal and dates to the late 19th or early 20th century, in copper and silver. The earth-touching gesture recalls the moment the Buddha called the earth to witness his enlightenment, and images of it are central to Buddhist devotion. The copper has a deep brown tone. Fine silver key patterns cover the robe across one shoulder, the arm and the crossed legs, leaving the chest bare. Tight curls rise to a small finial, and a beaded lotus base carries the figure. It stands 12.5 inches high.

Nothing here is in a hurry, and nothing has to be.