A Buddha statue or painting is called a Buddharupa, “the form of an Enlightened One” in Sanskrit. Cannons were soon developed dictating how he should be portrayed, identifying 32 Buddhist lakshanas “auspicious marks” or physical traits that should be reflected in sanctified Buddha images. They included an elongated body, face, fingers, arms, hands and ears; a tuft of hair between the eyebrows (urna) and a cranial protuberance (ushnisha). His head was to be covered with pointed or spiral curls often referred to as a snail crowned. Lakshanas were closely followed in Theravada Buddhism, but many interpretations and variances were incorporated in Mahayana and later Buddhist sects. He is most often shown seated two positions: meditation (dhyana mudra) which he assumed when meditating under the Bodhi tree before attaining enlightenment that represents perfect physical and spiritual balance and Earth Witnessing (bhumisparsha mudra) as he reaches the right hand to touch the earth to call witness to resisting the temptations of demon Mara and reaching enlightenment. He generally sits on a lotus pedestal or throne called a padmapita wearing a three-part monk’s robe (dhoti). Shakyamuni is the fourth Buddha of the present kalpa (era) and will be followed by the fifth, Maitreya (Mi-lo-Fu) in three thousand years.
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Magnificent and rare Buddha in Earth Witnessing posture combining Southeast Asian artistic traditions and folk like charm. Made of copper color lacquer with gilt he sits on a multi-tiered throne with simple monk’s robes embellished with green enamel.
Although this rare Ming image is missing its arms, it is a powerful yet charming sculpture of the infant Buddha as humble and confident with a youthful torso.
Rare small yet majestic carving of the Buddha in meditation with gracefully draped robes and beautifully idealized features that radiates serenity, compassion and spirituality. A truly magnificent piece.
With a benevolent expression, this rare large Ming Buddha sits on lotus pedestal signifying his purity and enlightenment. Originally placed in a Mahayana Buddhism spiritual setting, this important and brilliantly carved image is calming, inspiring and imparts a feeling of serenity to his surroundings.
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