Only one other comparable example appears to be known; this was offered at Christie’s New York as lot 20, 17 September 2003. That gilt-bronze figure, however, had a more elaborate throne pedestal with a four-legged stepped throne on an inner pierced cylindrical support.

The very unusual pose carries esoteric connotations, pointing to the usnisha at the top of the Buddha’s head as the source of light, indicating the possible identity of this figure as Vairocana, the Universal Buddha.