This gold-painted meditating Buddha is not a sober monk as required by tradition: on the contrary, he is richly adorned with a crown and much jewellery. This custom became popular in Burma and Thailand during the 18th century and it emphasizes Buddha’s princely lineage.
Buddha touches the Earth with one hand, which is his way of calling her as a witness to his virtues in previous lives.
The flames on the arms represent the knowledge exuded by Buddha.
