An aureole is a luminous or colored ring, circle of light or halo that surrounds the head or body of deity, holy person or saint in a painting or sculpture that represent his/her divinity and saintliness as an enlightened being and also the divine energy emanating from the deity. Referred to as an aura or glow of sanctity it is a radiant light or luminous cloud encircling a sacred personage. According to Buddhist sutras, Buddha’s body shone with a great radiance that filled the world that is shown in artistic representation as an aura of light which in Tibetan and Nepalese Buddhism is called a prabhamandala and is depicted as circles of light. Aureoles can be in several forms, such as lotus shaped or a fiery protuberance arising from the head in sculptures of the Buddha that is sometimes referred to as the flame aureole – a light burning with spiritual intensity. Hindu deities such as Ganesha may be represented with an aureole.
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Rare antique, wood Theravada Lao Buddha in abhaya mudra symbolizing reassurance, divine protection, and dispelling fear. Gilt paint reflects his golden skin.
Tibetan repoussé of Shakyamuni Buddha in Earth Witnessing mudra within a trefoil arch on a lotus base.
Copper alloy repoussé votive plaque of Vishnu surrounded with head and body aureoles. Symbols of his power as Universe’s Protector include a conch shell, his crown and lotus leaves symbolizing purity, truth, and unfolding of creation.
This Guanyin image was probably one of a pair of images along with the Taoist Queen Mother of the West (16206A-WACK) placed together on a community, local temple or home altar. Created by the same local artisan, they are provincial rather than imperial style having a humble, unadorned and simple rendering, seated on backless thrones, hands covered by a ritual cloth, uncharacteristic of Guanyin but common for Taoist goddesses. Both wear layered robes and a high pointed crown – the Queen Mother’s centered by a phoenix and Guanyin’s by a flower surrounded by symbolic aureole of radiating light. Both have soft blissful smiles with eyes cast slightly downwards to engage their devotees. Initially covered in bright polychrome colors, there are traces of surviving red, yellow, green, brown and black.
This mid 20th century Buddha Shakyamuni in Earth Witnessing position is carved in rural Lao style. Covered with gilt, the small rustic and simply carved image follows Lao artistic canons for depicting a Buddha: a curved hairline and high arched eyebrows that meet at the bridge of the nose, distinct hair curls, long ears, and a flame-shaped radiance emerging from his ushnisha. Its very large base is as tall and wide as the image, reflecting Laotian beliefs that a high pedestal reflects a deep respect for the Buddha. A base has been added for display purposes. Authentic old Lao images, even small personal ones like this, are difficult to find.
Vintage Nepali brass Buddha in teaching mudra standing on pedestal with 2 Buddhist lions, wearing “wet style” close fitting monk’s robes covering idealized body under drapery. Removable full body aureole with foliate designs.
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