Pair of Southeast Asian Mudras

These gilded sculpture were originally the hands of a large scale representation of a Buddha. The hand gestures of a Buddha image are called mudras and have specific meanings. These open hands with palms facing outward denote an offering or blessing. They are carved in a spare, simple style yet are wonderfully suggestive and have developed beautiful character over time. They have unusual provenance. Two American missionaries who worked and taught in Asia over a century ago collected them, along with many other unique artworks and passed them to their relative, a conservator at a prominent American history museum. Each is mounted on a custom steel stand.

Dimensions including custom steel mount:
Tall hand: 9.75" H x 2.25" W x 2" D
Short hand:8.75" H x 2.25" W x 2" D