Gilded copper-alloy statuette of the crowned Buddha Aksobhya, Tibet, 16th-17th century Seated in dhyanasana on a double lotus base, with a vajra at his feet. Hands in bhumisparsa and dhyana mudra. The fingers of the right hand lightly touch the ground, representing the moment of Buddha's enlightenment and connection with the Earth, while the left hand, palm up, symbolizes deep meditation and inner tranquility. He is dressed in a sanghati, a traditional monastic robe symbolizing simplicity and material renunciation, the hem of which is adorned with finely chiseled decoration, leaving his shoulder bare. In the middle of his forehead appears the urna, and his head is encircled by a crown encrusted with semi-precious stones, whose presence underlines his position as the Buddha transcending obstacles and passions. The body is gilded with mercury, the head painted with cold gilding. He still carries his charge and consecration plate, the underside of which is engraved with a double vajra surrounded by the ashtamangala (Chinese: 佛門八寶 - fómén bābǎo), eight auspicious Buddhist symbols: parasol, conch, treasure vase, endless knot, canopy and conch lotus and fish. Height: 20 cm; weight: 1572 g