The central image of the Buddha is depicted in the samabhanga posture as he makes the gesture of banishing fear with his right hand; his left knee slightly bent forward again indicates a loving and rescuing impulse towards the faithful. The figure rests firmly on a double lotus flower base. A diaphanous sanghati draped over both shoulders reveals the soft contours of his body. A large halo encircles his head; it consists of a row of large pearls and curls embellished by the two flaming jewels arranged on the back of the throne on either side of the Buddha. The structure of the backrest thus decorated and supported by elephants and lions are typical elements of the art produced in Bihar during the Pala dynasty.

Provenance: Private Italian collection.
Purchased from Capriacquar India & Himalaian works of art, Pescara, 20 November 2013.