Chinese Qing Dynasty gilt bronze seated Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Formal in appearance, the Buddha gazes forward with partially closed eyes and the blue-black hair on the head is piled in a tuft on top with a single gold ornament adorning the crown. Between the eyebrows is a white dot (urna) and adorning the neck are three curved horizontal lines. The earlobes are long and pierced. With the right arm bare the right hand is extended across the knee in the earth touching gesture (mudra). The left performs the gesture (mudra) of meditation - palm upward in the lap holding a begging bowl. Across the left shoulder is patchwork robe. A similar lower garment is tied at the waist with a cloth belt. The legs are folded in vajra posture upon a double lotus throne. br>Extensive trace of gilt remain on surface, with hints of dark-blue pigment on hair. Bronze is in beautiful condition with minimal marring of the surface. The pedestal throne are supported by two lions and two elephants. The small figure between them with a vase is the Earth goddess. The figures similar to collection at Sacred Indian icon held at Bodh Gaya. They depict the Buddha about to reach enlightenment. This sculpture appears to be the perfect example, by any artistic tradition, both for technical precision and exquisite form. The proportions of the body are exact and the overall presence and beauty make this sculpture a precious artistic treasure. The underside with incised gilt quatrefoil flori-form petal visvavajra mark surrounding the centralized DaiJi.