Seated Buddha

SRI LANKA

The statue has eyes inlaid with silver, prominent joined eyebrows, and an urna. The usnisa has disappeared beneath the stylized flame ornament, commonly found in Sri Lankan statues as a symbol for the light of the Buddha’s wisdom. The figure is seated in half lotus position with hands in dhyana (meditation) mudra. The elongated ears jut out sideways and the earlobes fall perpendicularly downward. The broad shoulders are rigid, the hands are bent unnaturally at the wrists, and the flattened legs and feet give a sense of solid immobility. The only contrast is in the rippling of the monastic robe. This particular style has been identified with Sri Lankan statues as far back as the 14th century.