STONE PANEEL DEPICTING BUDDHA WITH CONSORTS

Black Stone Tibet , 18th century, Pala Revival Weight: 4049 grams Dimensions: 27 x 20 x 5 cm This stone panel has a base with decorative bands framing five scenes, kneeling adorants, humble lions and an honouring person in the center. The whole piece is framed by a stylized aureole of flames. The Buddha in the center is seated on a double reverse lotus thrown showing the bhumispharsa mudra and holding a vessel in his left palm. The expression is calm in a meditative state. His head is surrounded by a circular aureole and he is flanked by animals like elephants, buffalos and swans. Two standing adorants are beside him holding fly whisks. Above them we see smaller Buddhas seated on lotus throwns showing different mudras. In the top center is another consort showing the abhaya mudra and he is backed by the seven-headed serpent Naga who is creating a protective canopy above the head. The backside is flat.