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
Carved wood Guanyin images were enormously popular in China’s provincial regions created by local artisans who did not follow proscribed court artistic rules or iconography and integrated elements from Buddhist, Taoist and Popular Folk Religion traditions into a syncretic blend as one of the Great Chinese Goddesses (Irwin). She sits on a raised lotus rising…
This delicate Mahayana Pure Land Buddhism Guanyin sits in meditation (dhyana mudra) representing concentration and peace hands in lap and legs crossed in lotus position (padmasana). Guanyin’s (Sanskrit Padmapani meaning “born of the lotus”) close association with the lotus is seen on her complex two-part throne. Resting on a footed base, the lotus throne is…
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.
This delicately detailed Guanyin statue in meditation on a two-tiered backless throne has flowing braids, simple necklace, and voluminous robes indicating 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.
Lee Irvin calls Guanyin one of the Great Chinese Goddesses who are imperially sanctioned and epitomize the feminine role of compassionate protectors who grant health, long life and safety to all regardless of their social position. Each has large temples, monasteries and small local shrines dedicated to them. She in the lotus position (padmasana) with…
The close association of the lotus and Guanyin (Sanskrit Padmapani meaning “born of the lotus,”) is depicted in this Guanyin image sitting on a flat, round open yellow lotus padmapitha pedestal held up by a stem flanked by red lotuses facing out in a folk art tradition. As one of the Great Chinese Goddesses (Irvin),…
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…
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)…
This Tibetan Repoussé image presents various symbols of the Enlightenment of the Shakyamuni-Buddha. He sits within a trefoil arch on a lotus base (padmapitha) under the bodhi tree in bhumisparsha mudra (earth witnessing or hand touching position) symbolizing the moment of his enlightenment legs bent in (padmasana). The detailed trefoil arch surrounding the Buddha’s head…
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.
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.
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.
End of content
End of content