Ca. 18th century Hermit from Thailand. The Hermit is posed in the Teaching mudra. The Buddha is seated in the padmasana or full lotus position, on a lotus throne, with his hands raised in front of his chest in the dharmachakra mudra. In sanskrit dharmachakra means the 'Wheel of Dharma'. This mudra symbolises one of the most important moments in the life of Buddha, the occasion when he preached to his companions the first sermon after his Enlightenment in the Deer Park at Sarnath. It therefore denotes the setting into motion of the Wheel of the teaching of the Dharma. In this mudra the thumb and index finger of both hands touch at their tips to form a circle. This circle represents the Wheel of Dharma, or in metaphysical terms, the union of method and wisdom. Please contact us for high resolution images of the piece. Provenance: Private UK collection Medium: BronzeDimensions: 44cm / 18"General Condition: Good condition. Consistent with age.SCBR1821