Seated in full lotus position on a lotus base, hand in Bhumisparsha mudra (the earth-touching gesture). The ushnisha with blue painted snail-shell curls, lips retain original pigment. The bronze has worn residual gilding. It retains its original sealed base engraved with a cross vajra motif. Shakyamuni Buddha, with Bhumisparsha mudra symbolises the moment of enlightenment and victory over demons. This statue was for Buddhist devotional worship, to ward off afflictions and attain awakening. The cross vajra carved on the base represents indestructible wisdom, a characteristic symbol in Tibetan Buddhist iconography.