WESTERN TIBET, CIRCA 14TH CENTURY

The relatively orthodox iconography of this figure, depicting the moment Buddha called the earth as his witness in his achievement of enlightenment, is contrasted by the unusual artistic flourishes on the part of the sculptor. The corner of the robe is uncharacteristically tucked over the right shoulder, while the folds of the robe spill from Buddha's hand. The artist has also playfully incised an ornate kinnara on the lower back of the robe, with the diminutive human aspect of the mythical creature dwarfed by the lotus blossom that is formed from his tail. The inscription on the back of the base is the mantra of Dependent Arising, commonly found on the backs of paintings, amulet boxes, and less frequently, sculpture as a protection charm.