Carved Gilt Thai Wooden Buddha With Unique Mudra Position. Delicate detailed features and a serene visage. 

Size: 11 1/2 x 25 x 8 in. 

#7367 #13 . 

A Buddha image can have one of several common mudras, combined with different asanas. The main mudras used represent specific moments in the life of the Buddha, and are shorthand depictions of these. The Abhayamudra “gesture of fearlessness” represents protection, peace, benevolence and the dispelling of fear. In Theravada Buddhism it is usually made while standing with the right arm bent and raised to shoulder height, the palm facing forward, the fingers closed, pointing upright and the left hand resting by the side. In Thailand and Laos, this mudra is associated with the Walking Buddha, sometimes also shown having both hands making a double abhaya mudra that is uniform. This mudra was probably used before the onset of Buddhism as a symbol of good intentions proposing friendship when approaching strangers. In Gandharan art, it is seen when showing the action of preaching. It was also used in China during the Wei and Sui eras of the 4th and 7th Centuries. According to scripture, this gesture was used by the Buddha when attacked by an elephant, subduing it as shown in several famous frescoes. In Mahayana Buddhism, the deities are often portrayed as pairing the Abhaya Mudrā with another Mudrā using the other hand.

Age Cracks throughout the robe.