Kurkihar: Crowned Buddha

INDIA, Bihar, Kurkihar; Pala period

This statue was discovered in Kurkihar. Elements in the design of this statue seem to date it towards the end of the Pala period (circa 8th–12th century). The somewhat formalized facial features are slightly raised and the eyes are inlaid with silver. The slender Buddha stands rigidly on a double lotus pedestal with the right hand in abhaya (fearlessness) mudra and the left steadying the fall of the monastic robe that ripples at the sides in a punctuated manner. The robe is diaphanous and covers both shoulders. An openwork nimbus encloses the high-dressed hair. Steps lead up from the three level base below, which supports a narrow arched mandorla with a flaming surround.