Lot Essay
The gesture of bhumisparsamudra symbolizes the moment before the Buddha-to-be attained enlightenment. Mara, king of the realms of desire, tried to prevent his enlightenment, fearing the loss of his own power if people learned to control their earthly craving. The Buddha-to-be, seated in meditation (both hands in dhyanamudra), moved his right hand over his knee and pointed his fingers to the ground, and with this gesture called upon the Earth Goddess, Thoranee, to bear witness to the merits he had previously accumulated throughout his many lifetimes. In response, she wrung out her hair which was saturated with the water of donation poured by the Buddha-to-be in his past lives and created a flood which put Mara and his army to flight. Shortly afterwards, the Buddha-to-be attained Enlightenment.
Cf. the Buddha illustrated by the Chang Foundation, Buddhist Images in Gilt Metal, Catalogue, no.7; and the similar Buddha but with both hands in dhyanasana sold in our Hong Kong Rooms, 10 October 1990, lot 1909
Cf. the Buddha illustrated by the Chang Foundation, Buddhist Images in Gilt Metal, Catalogue, no.7; and the similar Buddha but with both hands in dhyanasana sold in our Hong Kong Rooms, 10 October 1990, lot 1909