Dark Patinated Seated Buddha in a Varada Mudra
Material: Brass
Origin: Thailand
Height: 43 cm
Code: TS-005
The Varada Mudra is a gesture of giving or generosity. Unlike the Bhumisparsha Mudra, here, the palm of the right hand faces out and points downward.
Besides hand gestures, a Buddha image also carries other unique features, 32 signs or Laksanas to be specific.
One of these signs is the "Unisha", a turban-like head or cranial protuberance. It is one of the 32 signs of Mahapurusa laksana (Characteristics of a Great Man) of the Awakened One.
Unique to the Sukhothai images is the flame-like unisha, elongated and sharp. This is not seen in images of other eras or the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions.
Other commonly known and visible signs include black hairlocks curling to the right, white hair before eyebrows or Urna and Unisha. These 32 Laksanas are described throughout the Pali canon. These discourses are believed to have formed the basis for early representations of the Buddha in various iconographies like Buddha statues.
Notice the Royal Emblem embossed and gold-leave gilded in front of the lotus seat.