Circa 386-543 AD A finely moulded Chinese grey pottery tile, features buddha within an arched recess. Buddha sits with left foot outstretched and right foot arched, backed by a halo and wearing a rich red robe with black and green trimmings. His right hand is raised at shoulder height, with the arm bent and the palm facing outward to form the Abhaya Mudra or Gesture of Fearlessness. Buddhist tradition holds that the Buddha made this sacred hand gesture immediately after gaining enlightenment. The Buddha is said to have stood calmly, raising his hand in this gesture of fearlessness. In response, the elephant stopped, became calm, and then approached the Buddha and bowed its head. Size: L:344mm / W:174mm; 5.6kg Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s