Java: Life of the Buddha - First Turning of the Dharma Wheel

INDONESIA, Central Java

The sculpture was unearthed from Central Java and depicts a Buddha seated with legs pendent on an ornate throne. Both the figure’s hands are raised in what is likely the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. The lidded eyes on the round face are inlaid with gold. A radiating nimbus once had flames surrounding the edges while the ornament at the top is conjectured to have supported a canopy which is now missing. The figure wears a monastic robe that leaves the right shoulder bare and fits the body so closely that the hem is only visible where it folds over the left wrist and about the ankles. Rippling folds also hang down over the throne. Beneath the throne there is a foot rest in the form of a lotus leaf with lions mounted on elephants to either side.
The throne is supported by a double-tier base. The bottom tier is multi-angled and supports a Dharma wheel and a pair of deer, the symbol of Deer Park where the Buddha gave his first sermon. Lions are located on either side of the throne near the back. There is a back rest behind the throne whose sides are decorated with auspicious animals, warriors, elephants and flowers.