Rattanakosin Gilt Bronze Sculpture of the Buddha Seated

This elaborately decorated gilded bronze Buddha sits in a graceful meditative manner. With his hair arranged in rows of small round curls, he wears a large crown that hangs down to the ears in the form of foliated wings. He also wears a diamond shaped pectoral piece, a large beaded neckpiece, and an ornate garment that cascades over his body. The wing shaped decoration motif is also attached on the Buddha’s arms and knees. Sitting on a red throne, the Buddha displays calm and peaceful expression. Such expression reveals the clear, pure state of his mind that is separate from the carnal world. His features are delicate and meditative and his hands gently rest in Bhumisparsa and Dhyyana mudras. His left palm faces up, signaling the focused meditation that permeates deeply inward. In addition to the religious connotation of Buddhism, this beautiful gilt Buddha figure shows one’s purest effort and energy to reach the goodness and the rectitude within. And as the beloved symbol of a religion, this gilded Buddha perhaps was placed in a temple or a shrine to be cherished and worshiped.