Padmapitha

A padmapitha is a Buddhist and Hindu pedestal, throne or altar, upon which the image of a deity sits. The seat is in the form of a single or double lotus each with sixteen petals, an auspicious number. It symbolizes the mother’s lap, the origin of all life. It is one of the more frequently used Buddhist thrones, especially for calm or peaceful deities such as Guanyin. It also has auspicious references, depending different lotus parts, that symbolize fertility, the birth of sons, longevity, high rank, wealth, honor and peace.

Showing 1–12 of 14 results

  • Antique Guanyin Held Up by Demons, China (16208VRKE) $5800

    $5,800.00
    H: 45″ W: 17.75″  D: 11.5″ | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This outstanding Guanyin wood carving is an extremely rare image and displays a wonderful earthy blend of Mahayana and Tantric (Tibetan) Buddhism and spiritual and folk traditions that resonated with provincial populations. She sits on a lotus above a hexagonal throne right raised in abhaya mudra, lobed crown is centered with the Amitabha Buddha inside an aureole. The four agonized creatures struggling to hold the calm Guanyin on their shoulders is a unique Tantric visual representation of the triumph of Buddhism over ignorance. Probably placed in a community shrine or Guanyin temple, the rear is unpainted as it was displayed high against a wall and foreshortened to be viewed from below. With its admonitions about greed, aversion and ignorance it is a great metaphor for our times. 

     

    Add to cartLoading Done
  • Antique Guanyin on Elaborate Lotus Throne, China (19536BKE) $695

    $695.00
    H: 14.5”  W: 5.5”  D: 4.25” | FREE SHIPPING

    Guanyin’s elegance, compassion and serenity are emphasized in this graceful antique provincial carving. Portrayed in meditation with flowing robes on a majestic three-tiered lotus throne she was designed for personal veneration in a home setting.

     

  • Antique Guanyin with Amitabha in Crown, China (16380B-LOK) $1300

    $1,300.00
    H: 13.75”  W: 7”  D: 4.5” | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This  delicately detailed Guanyin statue seated in meditation on a two-tiered backless throne has flowing braids, simple necklace, and voluminous robes indicate her regal status, while her pendulous ears, compassionate downcast eyes, serene contemplative expression, and calm smile symbolize her enlightened status. The image’s distinguishing feature is its deeply carved three-part diadem (crown) centered with a carved Amitabha Buddha on lotus throne surrounded by an aureole.

     

  • Antique Guanyin with Lobed Crown, China (16151LME) $475

    $475.00
    H: 11.625″  W: 5.325″  D: 4.25″  | FREE SHIPPING!

    Made for placement on a home altar, this small Guanyin sits in lotus position (padmasana) feet upward and exposed, hands clasped in anjali mudra of prayer, reverence, respect. With a full face and downcast eyes, she is depicted in modest provincial style with symbols of her bodhisattva status: a 5-lobed diadem, hair in a chignon, braids draping down her shoulders, and a flowing robe. Her pendulous ears are a sign of wisdom, her ability to hear the cries of sentient beings, and her spiritual awakening. It is covered with gilt as a sign of her enlightened status.

  • Antique Large Guanyin on Lotus Throne, China (16211RKE) $4400

    $4,400.00
    H: 31.75”  W: 11.25”  D: 6.5” | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This extraordinary Guanyin originates from rural provincial less literate China.  Not made in a sophisticated “imperial” style, its great charm depends on straightforward forms in bright and decorative color combinations. She sits on a backless throne resting on a lotus pedestal held up by a stem flanked by lotuses facing out in a royal ease (lalitsana) and her right hand is a relaxed vitarka mudra. Her oversized crown contains a framed Amitabha Buddha. Using vibrant unusual multi-colored color combinations, an informal sitting position, simplified, almost geometric shapes for the head and facial features and bright modest robes, she  reflects a humble folk-art image very accessible to rural devotees. Its size indicates it was carved for a large home, clan or community temple.

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

    $425.00
    H: 11.75”  W: 5.25”  D: 4.75” | FREE SHIPPING!

    In this provincial carving for private devotion on a home altar, Nanhai Guanyin sits in tranquilly in anjali mudra at her cave home on Putuo on a lotus throne set on an open lotus framed by a backdrop arch of openwork with pierced cut outs. She wears a five-lobed crown and flowing robes symbolizing her regal status in contrast to her modest robes.  Few small Nanhai Guanyin figures have survived, and they are highly prized. In feng shui, Guanyin statues should be in the center of the home to bring blessings to the entire home.

     

  • Antique Nanhai Guanyin with Attendants and Donor, China (16218BHEM) $5900

    $5,900.00
     H: 34″    W: 12 ”    D: 15 ” SHIPPING INFORMATION REQUIRED. CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    Guanyin clearly dominates this majestic carving, in meditation and wearing  an ornate high  blue crown centered with an Amitabha Buddha in a deep arched border and her  traditional three-part robe  extending to her pedestal throne topped by flat lotus leaves.This remarkable carving Nanhai-Guanyin  is extremely rare, unique and difficult to interpret. We have never seen a Guanyin in her cave at Putuo surrounded by with two sets of attendants, her acolytes Shan Tsai  and the Dragon Princess Longnu and a seated Taoist official/ priest or possible the donor at the apex.  This was clearly commissioned by a very wealthy donor who wished to make a spiritual statement while emphasizing his reverence and status.

     

    Add to cartLoading Done
  • Antique Repoussé Earth Witnessing Buddha, Tibetan (0001LEM) $595

    $595.00
    H: 5.5”  W: 4.625”  D: 2” | FREE SHIPPING!

    This wonderful gilt metal antique Tibetan repoussé image portrays Buddha in earth witnessing mudra (hand touching position) under a trefoil arch at the moment of his enlightenment. Mounted on an L-shaped wood stand, it is in excellent condition. This 17th century Tibetan work was decommissioned and subsequently purchased from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

  • Antique Small Guanyin on a Radiating Lotus, China (16534MSK) $595

    $595.00
    H: 8.675″  Dia: 4.5″ | Free SHIPPING!

    This delicate small carving of seated White-Robed-Guanyin in meditation is carved in the round with fine details on all sides. Her face with downcast eyes is calm and serene, and she sits on a two-tiered radiating lotus-throne with her elegantly carved hooded robe flowing to the top of the base in lyrically curving patterns. Small, important and beautiful, this image was placed on a home altar with other Buddhist statues and house gods. It is mounted on a frosted acrylic base.

  • Bronze Guanyin in Meditation, Thailand (11250BKE) $485

    $485.00
    H: 19.5”  W: 9.375”  D: 9” | CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING

    This lovely 20th century Thai bronze statue is the White Clad Guanyin seated in meditation with her hands in her lap holding her vial of precious dew with her legs covered by her robes which flow to the top of the finely rendered multi-tiered lotus throne. Her open hood is centered by a mandorla surrounding an image of Buddha Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, her spiritual teacher. She is a vision of compassionate serenity with her half closed eyes and benevolent smile.

    Add to cartLoading Done
  • Ming Wood Shakyamuni Buddha on Lotus Pedestal, China (16529B-BEME)

    H: 18.75:  W: 9.75”  D: 9” | Call us AT 213-568-3030 fOR SHIPPING and price information

    This magnificent and rare Ming Dynasty Buddha is covered with dark lacquer and indications of the vibrant gold and red pigmentation that once enhanced this image. His beautiful face radiates serenity with its benign expression as he sits in meditation on an elaborate lotus throne.  Made to be viewed on all sides his three part monk’s robe extends with flowing sleeves over his feet and down his back. In excellent condition with minor paint losses, this rare masterpiece would enhance any environment with its spiritual energy and beauty.

    Read moreLoading Done
  • Rare Antique Guanyin Wearing Crown with Five Dyhani Buddhas, China (16557BAK) $695

    $695.00
    Ht: 9.5″  W: 4.5″  D: 3.75″ FREE SHIPPING!

    This delicately carved home altar figure is Guanyin represented as gender neutral in meditation on a lotus throne.  Her humble demeanor, modest robes and absence of stylized decorative details indicate it was carved by a provincial artisan, and its simple elegance exemplifies the best of provincial Ming and Qing carvings. She is a tranquil figure with simple, soft, and beautifully rendered facial details with almond shaped eyes cast down in serene composure wearing a five-lobed crown symbolically representing the five Dyhani Buddhas and reflecting Vajrayana Tantric influence.

End of content

End of content