BUDDHIST GROUP ON ELONGATED LEAF

Description Solid metal sculpture depicting three Buddhas in relief against the background of a lanceolate leaf-shaped plate, set on a four-legged base. Two main Buddhas occupy the lower register: seated in dhyanamudra, they are depicted in a simple and schematic manner. The contours of the halo and luminous halo of the body are engraved behind them. The third, smaller Buddha is placed in the upper part of the almond: his characteristics are even more schematic, with the body sketched in the shape of a drop and only the halo traced behind the head. The outline of the leaf is slightly raised, and the entire background between the figures is finely engraved with wavy motifs which - according to the common Buddhist iconography of this period -represent flames. According to a widespread iconography in the 5th-6th century, two Buddhas placed side by side represent Shakyamuni and Prabhutaratna, the Buddha of the Present and that of the Past.