Balance and serenity radiate from this wooden sculpture of the Buddha sitting in the full lotus position on a multi-layered decorated platform. Although the sculpture is largely symmetrical, the Buddha sits at a slight angle on the platform, adding a sense of realism and character. His high arched eyebrows and gentle smile give him a peaceful expression, acting as an outward manifestation of the sense of freedom from sufferings that he has attained by reaching nirvana. He possesses several characteristic features of Buddha depictions, including his ushnisha and elongated earlobes. The ushnisha is a protuberance on the top of the head which is one of the Buddha’s key characteristics and which symbolises his enlightenment. Within East Asian belief, particularly Buddhism, large ears are seen as a sign of wisdom and compassion. The Buddha is often depicted with elongated ears to symbolise his ability to hear the cries of those who are suffering, and his sympathy and willingness to help ease their pain. It is therefore a comforting image, as it reminds those who see it that there is hope for an end to their sufferings through the search for enlightenment and the compassion of those who have reached it. His clothing is indicated only by the striped borders at its edges, showing that it is plain and insignificant. This is a reminder that he has given up any desire for elaborate material possessions. The entire surface of the sculpture is covered with red paint, and gold traces remain in several places, particularly on the face. Black and white paint has been used to pick out details in the Buddha’s slightly open eyes.

The Buddha’s hands are held in the Bhumisparsha mudra, with his right hand reaching downwards across his right knee towards the ground, and his left resting face-up on his left thigh. ‘Mudra’ literally means ‘seal’ or ‘gesture’ and is used to refer to a pose, usually of the hands, which has a symbolic meaning and connection to an event in the life of the Buddha. The Bhumisparsha or ‘earth witness’ mudra represents the connection which the Buddha made with the earth when he was close to achieving Nirvana. The demon Mara was trying to frighten him and interrupt his meditation, and as part of this challenged him to produce a witness to agree that he had the right to achieve enlightenment. As the Buddha touched the ground, the earth itself appeared as his witness, allowing him to defeat Mara and prove himself worthy of reaching Nirvana.