The present depiction of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni calling the earth to witness to his enlightenment is distinguished from other classic depictions by the small vajra that sits before him. The present example is finely cast, with upturned fingertips, a shapely torso covered in a diaphanous sanghati draped over the shoulder with small, natural looking folds, and well-modeled lotus petals on its base. Though the figure’s facial features look Tibetan in their round shape, this artist was clearly inspired by the master Newar craftsmen who firmly established this ubiquitous style of modeling, with beaded edges and incised patterns, to decorate these lavishly-gilded buddhas.
Himalayan Art Resources (himalayanart.org), item no. 24441.