Seated Buddha

CHINA; Tang dynasty

The Buddha is seated in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne that is supported on a reversed lotus. The figure’s raised right hand is damaged but may have been in abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. The other hand resting on the knee suggests the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra but that is unlikely as it is not made with the left hand.
The usnisa is almost conical and behind it is a floral-patterned nimbus. The peach-shaped outer rim has foliar decorations interspersed with seven seated Buddhas. This arrangement is contained within a mandorla with a flaming edge.
The monastic robe is worn in the style that leaves the right shoulder bare but brought forward to cover it. A few raised folds are delineated but most attention is given to where the excess material ripples over the throne.