Thai Bronze Buddha's Hand

This 19th-century Buddha's hand sculpture from Thailand is finely cast of bronze with lifelike features and a beautifully dark patina. The slender left hand is held gracefully in vitarka mudra, a part of the gesture of teaching and intellectual discussion. This mudra represents the moment that the enlightened Buddha first shared his knowledge with others, thus setting the Wheel of Dharma into motion. The thumb and index finger gently touch to form a circle, representing the union of opposing forces and perfection with no beginning or end. On the palm is a lotus blossom, symbolizing the Buddha's purity of thought.