134 - SEATED SILVER BUDDHA IN ABHAYA MUDRA SRI LANKA, 18TH CENTURY

SEATED SILVER BUDDHA IN ABHAYA MUDRA SRI LANKA, 18TH CENTURY Dimensions: Height 7,3 cm Wide 5 cm Depth 2,5 cm Weight: 161 grams A small silver image of the Buddha seated cross-legged upon a lotus pedestal, the body composed frontally with a calm, meditative bearing. The right hand is raised in abhaya mudra, the gesture of reassurance and protection, while the left rests lower before the body. The smooth metallic surface and restrained modelling give the figure a clear, luminous presence. The abhaya gesture is among the most widely understood signs in Buddhist art, conveying fearlessness, blessing and the calming of danger. In Sri Lankan devotional practice, compact Buddha images could serve as intimate objects of veneration while preserving the formal dignity of larger temple sculpture. The sculpture's modest scale focuses attention on the essential elements of posture, gesture and serene expression. The lotus pedestal separates the sacred figure from the earthly plane and completes the balanced devotional composition.