There have been countless Buddhas, but Shakyamuni (also Sakyamuni) is the only historical Buddha who lived on earth, was the primary source of its doctrines, and spread the teaching of Buddhism (the dharma). He was born Siddhartha Gautama 560 BCE in a miraculous birth to Queen Maya and King Suddhodanna the rulers of Kapilavastu and spent 29 years living in a palace as a prince. Realizing that material wealth was not the ultimate goal in life, he ventured outside the palace and became an ascetic mendicant monk trying to find enlightenment through complete deprivation of worldly goods. Realizing that a life of deprivation was futile, he followed a different course, the Middle Way, a path of moderation between self-indulgence and extreme asceticism. He then sat in meditation under Bodhi tree in Bodhi Gaya and vowed to not rise until he had found the Truth. At age 35 after resisting temptations of the demon Mara and his armies, Siddhartha reached his right hand to touch the earth, and the earth spoke: “I bear you witness!” Mara disappeared and as the morning star rose Siddhartha Gautama realized enlightenment and became Shakyamuni Buddha, meaning “the sage of the Shakyas,” and spent the next 45 years living as a monk teaching the Dharma throughout India and formed the world’s first Monastic Order known as the Sangha. Shakyamuni and did not wish his mages to be produced and worshipped, so early portrayals were aniconic – represented using symbols. Early images appeared around the 2nd century CE.
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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.
This antique Lao Buddha stands in refined dignity displaying inner tranquility and strength, hands in abhaya mudra that connotes reassurance, divine protection, and dispelling fear and signifies Buddha’s spiritual power as he bestows protection from evil and ignorance and conveys “fear not” to devotees. As typical of Lao Buddhas he is covered in gilt visually reflecting his golden skin and a finial or radiance as a flame emerging from atop his head. His wet style Buddha robe that is smooth and graceful in its simplicity and adds elegance to the carving while showing his body underneath his clothing.
Rare, gilt covered Jambupati Buddha in Earth Witnessing position on high multi-tiered throne. Court attire, luxuriant jewelry and decorative flanges on faceted crown topped by long ushnisha. Strength and smile emphasize his spiritual and material power.
This elegant Jambupati Buddha is seated in lavish gilt court attire in Earth Witnessing mudra, one hand in his lap and one reaching over to touch the earth. Dazzling gilt covers his body, elaborate crown with butterfly flanges and his kingly garment that is “bejeweled” with multi- colored cut glass inset pieces. His multi-tiered throne emphasizes his royal status. He looks directly at onlookers with confidence and a slight smile to emphasize his spiritual and material power.
Superb, colorful and rare Buddha in teaching vitarka-mudra appears to float above cloud like swirls. Fine features, graceful body and exquisitely rendered drapery make this a truly striking statue. Given its size and masterful carving, it should be revered commensurate with its spirituality and artistry.
Rare consecrated small home altar/community Shakyamuni Buddha in meditation radiates serenity with downcast eyes and slightly smiling mouth.
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…
Finely modeled vintage Mandalay style Burmese bronze Buddha in Earth Witnessing mudra made by lost wax process is a one-of-a-kind exquisite work of art. Soft youthfully sweet smiling face with almond-shaped eyes are inlaid with glass.
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.
Magnificent rare Ming Buddha covered with dark lacquer, indications of gold and red pigmentation. Seated in meditation on an elaborate lotus throne, this rare masterpiece would enhance any environment with its spiritual energy and beauty.
Ming provincial infant Buddha holding monk’s begging bowl, pointing to heavens standing on a lion’s head symbolizing the Shakya clan and the lion’s roar of Buddhism. Buddha images seldom placed in homes and blended iconography as an infant, is extremely rare.
This rare Ming/Qing wood Buddha as an infant is probably more striking than the original piece. A piece for lovers of wood, its erosion shows the random miracle of chance. Highlighted on a frosted acrylic base.
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