Bronze

China , 18th century Qing Dynasty

Dimensions: Height 16 cm Wide 10 cm Depth 7 cm

Weight: 826 grams

Buddha Amitabha seated on double reverse lotus base with beaded rim, legs crossed and hands forming the dhyana mudra.

Dressed in flowy robes, a thin shawl wrapped around the elbows, jewellery decorating the body.

The broad face has fleshy lips and a chubby nose, the eyes are downcast with arched eyebrows.

The elongated earlobes are adorned with floral pendants. A five-pointed tiara encloses the fine hair done up in a two-tiered chignon. The statue is hollow.

The Buddha Amitabha is the Buddha of Infinite Light. He resides in his heavenly realm called the Western Paradise or Pure Land.

It is believed that absolute faith in Buddha Amitabha empowers a person to be reborn in the Western paradise, a land of bliss and peace.