Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana meaning ”Great Vehicle,” is the largest school of Buddhist thought in the world, practiced mainly in China, Japan, Korea Taiwan, Tibet and Mongolia. It was created as a result of the great schism from Theravada Buddhism after the Second Buddhist council in 383 B. C.E. The three main aspects of Mahayana Buddhism are the importance of the sutras, meditation and the bodhisattvas along with the communities they serve. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have chosen to remain in the human realm and assist other sentient beings in achieving enlightenment rather than entering nirvana. Bodhisattvahoodis the goal of the Mahayana which requires a resolve to win full enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. Mahayana acknowledges human weaknesses and offers help in salvation through the use of the Bodhisattvas. It is a very inclusive form of Buddhism, absorbing beliefs of indigenous religions and accepting different gods and spirits into its massive pantheon and was very influenced by Taoist and Popular Religion ideologies.

Showing 13–24 of 31 results

  • Antique Ming Songzi Guanyin, Bestower of Children, China (16057BAK) $1350 SPECIAL PRICE

    $1,350.00
    H: 11”  W: 5.75”  D: 5.125” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This very rare and fine 16th century home shrine image displays the benign and compassionate countenance of Songzi Guanyin the “Bestower of Children.”  With round face and joyful half-closed and eyes, she looks lovingly at the child whose arm is draped over hers.and leans slightly forward,  wearing a 5- lobed crown centered with a camellia flower a Chinese symbol of young sons and daughters. The inscription on the back dates the piece to 1521-1567

  • Antique Nanhai Guanyin of the Southern Seas, China (16555BCK) $425

    $450.00

    This small antique carving is Nanhai Guanyin (Guanyin of the Southern Seas) who became a syncretic cult figure during the late Ming and Qing dynasties in rural provincial regions, especially Southern China. She is worshiped in Mahayana Pure Land Buddhism, Taoism and Popular Religion. The local artisan took liberties in the iconography, portrayal and attributes…

  • Antique Nanhai Guanyin of the Southern Seas, China (19414BLK) SPECIAL PRICE

    $750.00

    As one of the most popular Mahayana Pure Land images, especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties, this antique Chinese wood carving of Nanhai Guanyin of the Southern Seas is seated on a symbolic craggy rock outcrop below an arch of draped moss (some of which is missing ) at the entrance to the Tidal…

  • Antique Nanhai Guanyin with Attendants and Donor, China (16210BEME) $5900 SPECIAL PRICE

    $5,900.00

    This Nanhai Guanyin sits in her cave home on the island of Putuo represented by pierced openwork, craggy surfaces and open area at the cave top. Guanyin’s image almost fills the cave’s opening seated in dhyana (meditation), thumbs forming a triangle symbolizing the triratna, the Three Gems of Buddhism (the Buddha, the Dharma (Buddha’s teachings)…

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  • Antique Nanhai Guanyin with Aureole and Acolytes, China (16428LMK) $795

    $720.00

    Nanhai-Guanyin seated in meditation (dhyana mudra) in her Tidal Cave on Putuo is one of the most popular Mahayana Pure Land Guanyin images, especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and strongly reflects the Chinese syncretic blending of religious beliefs. Provincial craftsmen portrayed her in to reflect local beliefs, lifestyles and customs that resonated with…

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  • Antique Porcelain Famille Rose Laughing Buddha, China (17038LMK) $850

    $850.00
    H: 10.25” W: 9.5” D: 4.5” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    Known as the Laughing, Happy, or Fat Buddha, Budai is regarded as a deity of contentment and plenty. Like most Early Chinese Republic porcelains this piece is hand decorated in famille rose enamels with vivid blue, red, and green pigments portrayed as a stout, smiling, bald monk in robes with a large, exposed pot belly surrounded by five children. Since the stomach is considered the seat of the soul in Chinese beliefs, it demonstrates his open heartedness. His wide smile attracts the children surrounding his body indicating his regard for them and his joy when they encircle him and well as the belief he can bequeath families with children.

  • Antique Rare Large Lohan with Hands in Reverence, China (16436A-WHKE) SPECIAL PRICE

    $7,300.00
    H: 28.25  W: 12.75”  D: 9.75” | CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING COST

    Although they are Buddhist images,  Lohans are portrayed as a real person with very individual, distinctive, and un-idealized features.  His benevolent youthful sweetly smiling face with downcast eyes is an image of compassion, wisdom and peace.This exceptional, beautifully crafted rare 17-18th century Ming/Qing large Lohan is from the same Buddhist location as the foreign-born heavy bearded Lohan Bodhidharma, and the same artist may have carved both. We recommend keeping them as a pair to display together.

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    Antique Rare White Robed Guanyin on a Hǒu, China #16963BKE

    Original price was: $725.00.Current price is: $650.00.
    H: 15.125”  W: 6”  D: 5” | FREE SHIPPING within Continental U.S.!

    This charming rare White Robed Guanyin sits on a Hǒu, the mythical guardian beast that symbolizes righteousness and morality and the mandate to usher in peace and prosperity. This Hǒu is a gentle Buddhist creature curled around Guanyin’s side as she in lalitsana clasping a rosary. This fine and rare provincial folk version of Guanyin is a small yet powerful carving, mounted on a frosted Acrylic base.

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    Antique Small Guanyin on a Radiating Lotus, China #16534MSK

    Original price was: $595.00.Current price is: $495.00.
    H: 8.675″  Dia: 4.5″ | Free SHIPPING IN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This delicate small Mahayana Buddhist carving of seated White Robed Guanyin in meditation sits in meditation on a radiating lotus throne  symbolizing her enlightenment, rebirth and purity. As a Popular Religion figure, she is humble, modest, relatable, accessible, yet a beautiful matronly figure. This beautiful figurine was placed on a home altar with other spiritual statues and house gods.  Mounted on a frosted acrylic base.

  • Antique Wood and Lacquer Monk (Lohan), China (16241BHK) $785

    $785.00

    18 original Lohans were the major disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha whom he, at his death bed, entrusted to protect and promulgate Buddhist teachings. Over centuries, their numbers increased to over 500 enlightened beings recognized for their courage and supernatural powers. In Mahayana Buddhism, Lohans represent the ideal toward which Buddhist devotees should strive as they…

  • Antique Wood Guanyin in Meditation, China (16955BME) SPECIAL PRICE

    $425.00

    Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, is one of the most beloved Mahayana Buddhist deities, the embodiment of  loving-kindness who hears the cries of all beings, and who is one of the Great Chinese Goddesses – who are compassionate protectors who grant health, long life and safety to all devotees regardless of their social position. During…

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    Antique Wood Nanhai Guanyin of the South Sea, China #19508BME

    Original price was: $595.00.Current price is: $395.00.
    H: 9.75″ W: 5″ D: 4.5″ | FREE SHIPPING within continental u.s.!

    This enchanting carving depicts Nanhai Guanyin in her Cave on Mount Putuo seated in lalitsana, below a symbolic arch of draped moss with bright pigmentation and considerable gilt. Nanhai Guanyin was massively popular during the Ming/Qing dynasties and provincial wood images were made home altars throughout China. She holds scrolls representing the dharma and sutras, behind her is a vial with the tears of her humanity and parrot, her constant companion. Small Nanhai images with all these symbols in this  condition are very rare.

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