Buddha Ratnasambhava and Goddess in a Lotus Petal

The buddha depicted in this work is most likely Ratnasambhava, the Buddha of the South. The object in his right hand would then be a jewel on a lotus. The object in front of his lotus seat probably also represents a jewel, which is the symbol of this buddha’s family. The identity of the goddess underneath remains uncertain. Since she does not hold a jewel herself, she likely represents Ratnasambhava’s consort, the wisdom deity of his family. The family of a buddha includes all of the deities associated with him, his direction, and his qualities.