Seated figure of the Buddha

The early Swat Valley and Kashmir statues were influenced by Gandharan art and in the 8th century were mostly ivories. But in the 9th-11th centuries bronze statues with silver and copper inlay were made. This statue of Buddha has the facial features typical of Swat Valley figures. His elongated ears and ushnisha, which probably originally contained a flame, are marks of Buddhahood. The eyes show traces of silver. His monastic robe can be clearly seen. He is sitting in meditative pose on the lotus-petal throne supported by lions (traditionally indicating kingship). His right hand is in the varada mudra, or boon-conferring gesture, and he seems to hold the end of his robe in his left hand (more common in standing statues). The decoration behind his head is probably the back of the throne rather than the more traditional cosmic circle.

Description taken from the ‘Art From The Indian Sub-Continent In The Sainsbury Centre’ catalogue by Margaret A. Willey (Sainsbury Centre, UEA, 1995).