Cast in the Khasa Malla kingdom
of the western Himalayas, this sculpture is a superb example
of Newar artistry without elaborate embellishments. Here we
see a clear adaptation of the Kathmandu Valley style in the
modeling and proportions of the figure and the treatment of
the face, with a beak-like nose, downcast eyes, and pinched
chin. The historical Buddha is exhibited here seated in meditation
posture (vajrasana); one hand rests in the lap and
the other in a gesture that calls the earth to witness his great
resolve. He wears earrings inlaid with turquoise—an adornment
not usually seen in depictions of the Buddha yet commonly found
in Khasa Malla sculptures representing him.