Gilt Brass Sitting Buddha - Vitarka Mudra Material - Papier Mache Originally this piece was lacquered

Originally this piece was lacquered which has long since worn away

This is a medium hardwood with desirable characteristics for furniture making such as being termite-proof and resistant to fungus

This was carved from a young tree and a strongly coloured section of heartwood is visible

these were used to store candles in the days before electricity

Gilt Brass Sitting Buddha - Vitarka Mudra Material - Papier Mache Originally this piece was lacqueredThis large bronze Buddha has a serene gaze with painted eyes and lips. Buddha is seated in vitarka mudra, with his right hand raised, index finger touching thumb. and symbolises a constant flow of energy and information. It induces the energy and communicates the teachings and spiritual principles of Buddha. 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