"Dipankara Buddha". Nepal, 19th century. Gilded and polychrome bronze, inlaid with precious stones. Measurements: 25.5 x 11 x 11 cm. In Nepal, the iconography of the Dipankara Buddha is characterised by its own peculiarities: instead of being represented seated, he is usually standing, and instead of raising only his right hand, he uses both hands to trace in the air the drawing of a protective mudra. These are attributes we recognise in this gilded bronze sculpture. The figure, despite its elegant and proportionate canon, has large hands to focus attention on them. His face conveys spiritual serenity. His features are symmetrical and are adorned with a sumptuous crown, as is the sumptuous robe he wears, indicating his princely origin. Buddha attained the highest evolutionary perfection, turning suffering into happiness for all living beings. Born around 560 BC, his father was a raja who ruled the north-eastern province of India. At the age of 29, the young prince gave up his life of luxury, as he felt compelled to purify his body and turn it into an instrument of the mind by ridding it of earthly temptations.