An important gilt bronze figure of Buddha Shakyamuni

This magnificent sculpture elegantly depicts the moment at which Buddha Shakyamuni achieves enlightenment. Faced with the threats and temptations of Mara, Buddha overcomes all and touches a single finger to the Earth so that She may bear witness to his achievement.
The high level of gilding and the graceful modeling of the robes and torso recall Nepalese sculpture, although the face is of a distinctly Tibetan type. Newari bronze casters were renowned in Tibet, and it is likely this work was crafted in Nepal for a Tibetan commission.