TIBET, CIRCA 1400

Often confused with the tathagata Akshobhya, this representation of Shakyamuni with a vajra resting before him refers to the moment when the historical buddha attained enlightenment. Bodhgaya, generally accepted as the site where Shakyamuni attained enlightenment, was originally referred to as Vajrasana, and Himalayan sculptors often used the vajra as a visual symbol for this location.
The present example is characteristic of Central Tibetan images of the 15th century, with its diaphanous robe and elongated torso, ultimately inspired by the early Sarnath tradition. The lustrous gilding of this Buddha Vajrasana coupled with the elegantly modeled form, make this sculpture a fine example of early bronze casting from Tibet.