Buddha Thanka

What is buddha holding here?
http://viewonbuddhism.org/images/shakyamuni_buddha_thanka.jpg
also can you give me important facts on buddha
This is an image of Shakyamuni Buddha painted in the style common to Tibetan Buddhism. Ordinarily such an image would be mounted on a thankga, or hanging scroll.
The Buddha is shown seated on a lotus throne (one of the key symbols of the Buddha) at the moment of his enlightenment.
His right hand touches the earth, calling upon the earth to witness his attainment. His left hand holds a stylized representation of a begging bowl – the bowl into which monks receive food offerings. The image of the begging bowl is unique to Tibetan Buddhism.
Here’s a good source for facts about the Buddha:
http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/history/buddha.htm
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buddha thangka,
buddha thangka paintings