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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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.
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.
Rare antique, wood Theravada Lao Buddha in abhaya mudra symbolizing reassurance, divine protection, and dispelling fear. Gilt paint reflects his golden skin.
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.
Lavish Jambupati Buddha in Earth Witnessing mudra, in lavish gilt court attire, elaborate crown with butterfly flanges and his kingly garment “bejeweled” with multi- colored cut glass insets.
Superb, colorful and rare Buddha in teaching (vitarka) mudra appears to float above swirling cloud. 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.
Tibetan repoussé of Shakyamuni Buddha in Earth Witnessing mudra within a trefoil arch on a lotus base.
Rare small yet majestic Ming carving of the Buddha in meditation with gracefully draped robes and beautifully idealized features that radiates serenity, compassion and spirituality. A truly magnificent piece.
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.
This rare magnificent image of Buddha Shakyamuni is represented in meditation position called Ch’ien Pai Yi Hua-shen (the Hundred Billion Human Manifestations) in Chinese, the position the Buddha assume while seeking enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Thumbs touching at forming a triangle symbolizing the Three Jewels of Buddhism.
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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