Hand of Buddha in white marble, Tang dynasty (618 - 906)

White marble with traces of polychromy. The realistically depicted hand in a graceful pose was part of a complete sculpture. The ring finger and thumb hold the round-shaped 'Tianmiao' fruit, also known as the 'auspicious fruit' because of its significance. It represents the sowing of "the seeds of good deeds" and "obtaining the fruit of Buddhahood with complete merit". This type of sculpture evolved in China with the advent of tantric beliefs in the 8th century, but suffered severe losses due to anti-Buddhist repression.

In the small amount that has survived, details such as the wrist bracelet can be seen, which retains a golden polychrome, as does the fruit. In the theory of the 'Five Elements' it symbolizes brightness, purity and fullness. The rest of the hand also has traces of polychromy, in this case reddish, located in the folds of the fingers. The colour red symbolizes good fortune.

The piece is held in place by a custom-made chrome-plated metal display stand. 

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, since 1980.

Size: approx. 16 x 8 x 17.5 cm (without stand); Total height: 39.5 cm; Hand weight: 1355 g