The Crowned Buddha represents Buddhahood rather than a specific Buddha such as the Buddha of our world age, Shakyamuni. His crown denotes his cosmic nature.

This piece has the typical 15th cent Tibetan broad face in an almost Nepalese style, sensual, with rich, full lips. The extraordinarily long ears, are split. There are two common explanations for this;
-the Buddha's years as a yogi practicing asceticism meant that his ears were split by the weight of the yogi's bone ear pieces.
-as a Prince before his departure from the palace and the commencement of his career as a "Buddha-to-be" his ears were split by the weight of princely ornaments.

The lotus base is of an unusual style with broader leaves than is common.

Not over-detailed and "fussy", the piece is a fine example of the Tibetan aesthetic principles. There is a restrained elegance and a simplicity of execution typical of the best pieces.