A Closer Look - The Art of Buddhism

Sitting with one hand in his lap and the other extended to touch the now-missing lotus base, this Buddha exudes an air of impassive serenity. His earth-touching gesture is a traditional symbol of his enlightenment, and the square pattern on the robe reminds the devotee that the historical Buddha exchanged his royal raiment for a patchwork garment. The Buddha's superhuman perfection is indicated by a series of characteristic attributes. His tightly curled hair covers the cranial bump, the ushnisha, which indicates his transcendental wisdom; an urna dot marks the forehead, signifying renunciation; his earlobes are elongated to show spiritual status; and his neck is marked by three lines, indicative of beauty. This hollow-cast copper image was created to grace a Buddhist monastic altar in Tibet, where gold was the most highly prized color. The copper image was gilded by a complex process that demands skill and precision. A mixture of gold and mercury was applied to the surface and heated until the mercury evaporated and the gold adhered to the copper images. The gilded surface was then polished with a smooth stone, and in many such images, the eyes, mouth, and hair were painted.