Gilt Teak Burmese Shan Buddha - Early 19th Century

This serene gilt Shan Buddha sits in bhumisparsha mudra, with his right hand touching the earth. This example is made from gilt black lacquered teak wood and crafted in the Shan style. This Buddha dates to the early 19th century. 

Bhumisparsha mudra and symbolises Buddha's enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree. The mudra is always from a seated position with the right hand resting on the knee, fingers pointing to the ground. He sits here on his lotus throne, which raises Buddha above the contamination of day to day existence like a lotus flower rising above the water it grows from. 

Note some pads have been added to the base to keep Buddha level after historic wood rot. Buddha sits calm in meditation. The tip of his ushnisha has been historically replaced.