Late 19th-20th century AD. A gilt bronze statuette of Buddha lying on his right hand side and resting his head against his hand; the position depicting him during his last illness, about to enter parinirvana, the stage of great salvation that can only be attained by enlightened souls who have attained nirvana during their lifetime; dressed in loose robes folded neatly over his resting body, calm expression with hooded eyes, urna on forehead and tight curls covering the head and ushnisha; with a separate gilt bronze pillow for placing below the head. 3 kg total, 37.4cm long (14 3/4"). From a collection of Buddhist art, London, UK; formed since 1990. [2]