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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This rare carving of the infant Buddha with well defined features is clearly a provincial rendering that uniquely departs from traditional renderings. He holds a monk’s begging bowl as he points to the heavens and he stands on a lion’s head, as he is the lion of the Shakya clan. Given its small size, it was probably displayed on a home altar.
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 his. His wet style Buddha robe that is smooth and graceful in its simplicity and adds elegance to the carving.
This rare, elegant, gilt covered Jambupati Buddha wears regal Burmese court attire with luxuriant jewelry and huge decorative flanges surrounding his multi-layered elaborate faceted crown topped by an elongated ushnisha. Seated on a high ornate multi-tiered waisted throne in Earth Witnessing position, he looks directly at onlookers with strength and a sweet smile to 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.
This superb, colorful and rare carved Buddha is seated in vitarka-mudra, the taching hand position. His delicately carved calm face has a benevolent and compassionate expression with a slight reassuring smile. The elegant body appears to float above deeply carved swirls reminiscent of clouds. Fine facial features, the graceful body and exquisitely carved and painted drapery make this a truly impressive and striking image. Given its size and masterful carving , it should hold a place and be revered commensurate with its spirituality and artistry.
This fine rare Ming/Qing carving depicts Shakyamuni Buddha in meditation is made from fine dense wood with much of its iridescent pigmentation. He is masterfully carved with a serene, benevolent and pensive expression wearing plain but elegantly carved monks robes. This spiritual piece is a small yet very powerful image.
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.
Given that this image of the infant Buddha is missing both arms it is remarkable that it is remains a powerful yet charming sculpture. Created by a skilled rural artisan from one dense piece of wood, this rare statue of the the young Buddha is a humble child in a relaxed and confident stance with a youthful torso, a round head, bent legs, wearing a modest waist-cloth and standing on a small plain round base.
This finely and delicately modeled vintage Burmese bronze Buddha Shakyamuni in the Earth Witnessing mudra displays many characteristics typical of the Burmese Mandalay style. His soft youthfully sweet face with slightly smiling lips is framed by a filet headband, snail like hair locks, and almond-shaped eyes are inlaid with glass. Made in the 20th century with the lost wax process in which the mold is destroyed, this piece is a one-of-a-kind exquisite work of art in excellent condition.
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.
This rare wood carving of the Buddha as an infant is remarkable because of the way it has survived. As with many antique Chinese wood carvings, there is extensive deterioration from age/insect damage. Although there is total loss to the arms, legs and torso, it is virtually untouched from the neck up. This is a piece for lovers of wood, with the body worn to a delicately smooth but irregular surface. It is probably more striking than original piece, as its erosion shows the random miracle of chance and is highlighted on a frosted acrylic base. .
This mid 20th century Buddha Shakyamuni in Earth Witnessing position is carved in rural Lao style. Covered with gilt, the small rustic and simply carved image follows Lao artistic canons for depicting a Buddha: a curved hairline and high arched eyebrows that meet at the bridge of the nose, distinct hair curls, long ears, and a flame-shaped radiance emerging from his ushnisha. Its very large base is as tall and wide as the image, reflecting Laotian beliefs that a high pedestal reflects a deep respect for the Buddha. A base has been added for display purposes. Authentic old Lao images, even small personal ones like this, are difficult to find.
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