Shan (Tai Yai). Burma (Myanmar).
Wood with black lacquer and gold gilding. H: 20.5" (52.1 cm), W: 8.3" (21.1 cm), D: 5.6" (14.2 cm).

A statue of Buddha in the "Bhumisparsha" mudra or Earth Witness mudra, a sacred hand gesture symbolizing Buddha's enlightenment
and his triumph over the demon Mara. It involves touching the ground with the right hand to call the Earth as a witness to his worthiness.
It represents grounding, unwavering determination, and connecting to with nature. The inscription at the base includes the name of the donor.