Sakyamuni Buddha

MYANMAR; Bagan Empire

The Buddha wears a monastic robe which bares the right shoulder, while a fold is neatly arranged over the left in the Indian fashion. The thinness of the material allows the shape of the supple body to show through, as the robe’s presence is only indicated by hem lines. The figure sits in full lotus position with the right hand in bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra. The mudra may indicate that the statue was influenced by the neighboring Pala Empire (circa 8th–12th century), where it was commonly depicted, but other features differentiated the statue. These include the wide face, the jewel in the usnisa, the slight downward tilt of the head, and the shortened neck. These are all characteristic of the Bagan Empire (circa 849–1287).