In Tibet, Amitabha – the Buddha of Infinite Light – is a personification of compassion. Here, he sits in the diamond pose on a double lotus throne, immersed in deep meditation. His head droops slightly toward his chest, his eyes are closed and he has a gentle, serene smile on his face. In his hand, Amitabha holds an amphora containing the Elixir of Life, an aspect more commonly associated with Amitayus, the Buddha of Eternal Life. Nevertheless, Amitabha forms a mystical pair with the latter, in fact representing the same deity. The delicate modelling of his face and a perfect impression of absolute peace, which the sculpture emits, evince the author’s extraordinary mastery and skill. The draped robe and hem of the garment thrown over his left shoulder suggest an early origin, perhaps the 15th or 16th century.
