Buddha with radiate halo and mandorla

A small, gilded, bone statue of Buddha holding his right hand outstretched and his left hand in vitarka mudra (attitude of elucidation). Standing on pedestal before double-halo (halo and mandorla) with pointed end, wearing monastic robes. The white body forms a subtle contrast with the glitter of the gilded parts. The object follows the dress design of the so-called Gandhara-type Buddhas. It was probably purchased in the Nepalese market and used by lay practitioners of Theravada Buddhism, a religion that spread throughout Southeast Asia.