Pagan 11th Century Terracotta Votive Tablet
August 2014 Auction by Far East Asian Art

This well preserved tablet dating to the 11th century is a terracotta image of Buddha seated in bhumisparsa, or earth-touching position, within an arched niche under a tree. The tree possibly represents the bodhi tree where Buddha attained enlightenment. Relics such as this have been recovered from under stupa throughout Burma. Small clay votive plaques were first introduced in neighboring India as mementos for pilgrims visiting Buddhist sites...