This
Buddha carving is an amazing union of substance and subject. The Buddha in bestowing
generosity and no fear mudras is serenely poised on an open lotus in dhyana asana.
Upright and full of dignity, wearing simple dhoti and scarves which drape over
his arms and fall to the sides, is a noble representation that is made astoundingly
beautiful by the natural grain of the camphor wood. Within a pattern of concentric
arcs and circles, the essential spiritual core begins at the heart chakra and
widens outward like waves in a still pool, a meditation in itself.
This
fine sculpture is of considerable age and is worn smooth; traces of color remain
on part of the garment, some green in the scarves and traces of red, blue and
violet on the crown. The Buddha is adorned with earrings, necklaces, armlets and
a beaded girdle fastened at the front with a lotus. The piece has great quietude
and authority. With the marvelous natural formations this is truly an awe-inspiring
Buddha.