Standing Buddha
Sri Lanka
Origin: unknown
size: inches 3.7 (9,5 cm)
Provenance: Private aquisition, Colombo 1980
In 1592 Kandy – in the centre of Sri Lanka - became the capital city of the last remaining independent kingdom after the coastal regions had been conquered by the Portuguese. Especially during the 17th century the arrangement of the robe in waves of this standing ivory Buddha is typical for the Kandy style. His raised right hand is shown in "abhaya mudra", the fearlessness gesture. This mudra (symbolic or ritual gesture) is seldom used alone. Here the left hand is shown in “varada mudra”, symbolizing charity and compassion.
Relics of yellow and red painting are conserved at the robe. The hair and the “ushnisha” (bump at the top of the head of Buddha) are painted black while the flame of the “ushnisha” is not conserved.
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