Bronze Buddha image in a bhumisparsa position, the most common mudra in Thai-Buddhist iconography, meaning ‘touching the earth’. It symbolises the episode from Buddha's legendary life story when he was tempted by Mara whilst meditating under a fig tree (fig.) in Bodh Gaya.  He then pledged not to leave the spot until he attained Enlightenment. By touching the earth he called upon her to be a witness to his merits accumulated during previous lives. The image, cast in Sukhothai-style, is seated in a virasana asana.