Material: Lacquerware with gold leaf

Period: 18th century

Sizing: 29 Inches (Height) x 15 Inches (Width) x 11 Inches (Depth)

Configuration: The Buddha is seated with the left hand palm-up on his lap, and the right hand resting on his knee, pointing down to the ground slightly touching the earth. This position is called “Subduing Mara” position or better known as “calling the Earth to witness” position, which is a popular posture and the temple’s principal image when depicting the Buddha.

The posture represents an important moment in the Buddha’s journey. As the Buddha was meditating under the Bodhi tree, he was visited by the demon Mara and his three beautiful daughters. Mara and his daughters attempted to subvert the Buddha to stop his meditation and prevent him attaining enlightenment.

The Buddha touched upon the Earth with his right hand and asked for support. Mother Earth heard his call, drowned Mara and his daughters, and allowed the Buddha to continue meditating and reach enlightenment.