Chinese Tibetan Qing Dynasty gilt bronze Buddhas figure Shakyamuni Buddha, the Enlightened One, Sage of the Shakya Clan, founder of Buddhism.Formal in appearance, Shakyamuni Buddha typically gazes forward with partially closed eyes and the blue-black hair on the head is piled in a tuft on top with a single gold ornament adorning the crown. Between the eyebrows is a white dot urna and adorning the neck are three curved horizontal lines. The earlobes are long and pierced. With the right arm bare the right hand is extended across the knee in the earth touching gesture (mudra). The left performs the gesture mudra of meditation - palm upward in the lap. Across the left shoulder is a saffron colored patchwork robe. A similar lower garment is tied at the waist with a cloth belt. The legs are folded in vajra posture, the feet are placed sole up on the thigh of the opposite leg; right over left upon a double lotus throne. Sets upon a multi leveled platforms pedestal, and the demountable decorative framework throne-back arched niche surrounding the Buddha figures represent rays of nimbus light emanate from the Buddha. Extensive trace of gilt remain on surfaces. The underside with incised Quatre-foil flori-form petals visvavajra mark surrounded the centralized DaiJi. Measurements: Height: 10 1/2" Width:7"PROVENANCE:From The Collections of Mike and Annie Gaither, US Navy 1959-1982.With a sense of duty for his country Mike joined the US Navy in 1959 the idea was to see the world and obtain an education that would propel his future. The opportunity to become part of the submarine fleet was compelling and once involved it became his career path of choice. In 1964 he married his lifelong partner Annie Nix. And to this day they are still happily married.While in the Navy he specialized in communication and electronic repair and was able to obtain the rank of Radioman Chief Petty Officer during his time in the service he supervised crews of up to 25 in high speed communications, repair and records and Department Chief coordinating 8 repair divisions. Analyzing commands to discover systemic difficulties and training to resolve difficulties. Additional fields include intercultural and race relations, Drug and Alcohol training.With a long career in the Navy his desire to visit many foreign countries was fulfilled.His desire to be a leader in the open markets directed his path into the pastoral leadership where he was able to train and work with people in Italy Guam Saipan, Northern Marianas Islands, Republic of Palau, with visits to such countries Germany, and Asian Countries. With the opportunity to be in such places also provided the knowledge and ability to obtain collectables from the area. Reaching a point where one feels that it is time to downsize and realign their assets this has opened the door for others to add these items into their private collection. The quality is exceptional, pristine and highly sought after.