Snail-crowned

Buddhist monks have shaved heads since hair is often a metaphor for human illusion and ignorance, thus having a shaved head symbolizes removing those illusions and ignorance. Images of Shakyamuni who was a monk, however, depict him with a head covered by short and tight ringlet curls. The story behind these curls is that as Buddha sat under a tree to meditate, he became so immersed in concentration that he didn’t notice the sun’s rays directed at his bald head. A passing snail noticed his deep meditation and fearing he would be distracted, without hesitation crawled on his head using his lubricated body to cool the Buddha’s smooth and bare skin. Soon after other snails joined and formed a cap of spiral shells. When Buddha arose from meditation he learned that 108 snails had formed a protective cap and had sacrificed their lives to facilitate his path to enlightenment. Shakyamuni Buddha is is now portrayed with this cap of spiral shell curls, called Shwebo thrones in Burma. The snails are honored as martyrs and are displayed on Buddha statues and other art forms to remind us of their sacrifice.

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  • Antique Large Wood Buddha in Teaching (Vitarka) Mudra, China (17013BREM) $6800

    $6,800.00
    H: 30″  W: 18″  D: 10″ | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This superb, colorful and rare carved Buddha is seated in the teaching vitarka-mudra. His delicately carved serene face has a benevolent and compassionate expression with half-closed almond shaped eyes and a brightly painted bud shaped mouth with a slight smile. The slender and elegant body appears to float above gracefully flowing robes in deeply carved swirls reminiscent of clouds.  The white skin tones are emphasized by the multi-colored robe with hues of cinnabar, cobalt blue, pastel green, and black. The fine features of the face, excellent rendering of the body, and exquisite execution of the drapery  make this a truly impressive and striking image. Given its size and masterful carving and its evident importance, it should hold a place and be revered commensurate with its spirituality and artistry.

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  • Antique Ming/Qing Wood Shakyamuni Buddha in Meditation, China (16089BMEM) $3900

    $3,900.00
    H: 14”  W: 9.375”  D: 7.25” | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This fine extremely rare Ming/Qing carving depicts Shakyamuni Buddha in meditation made from fine dense wood with much of its iridescent pigmentation. He is masterfully carved with a serene, benevolent and pensive expression with downcast eyes below arched eyebrows, and a slightly smiling mouth, tightly coiled curls surrounding his ushnisha, and his pendulous ears frame his rounded face. His plain but elegantly carved monks robe leaves his chest bare and extends over his shoulders and to his back. This is a small yet very powerful image.

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  • Antique Wood Gilt Buddha Calling for Rain, Laos (3153PAOK) $1575

    $1,575.00
    H: 24.5” Dia: 7″ | CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING

    Lao carved Buddha statues are renowned for their delicacy and refinement. This elegant antique Buddha is depicted in the “Calling for Rain” mudra found only in Laos with his half-closed gazing downward in meditation, elegant gestures, lyrical flaring robes and graceful curves of the body reflecting the Buddha’s gentleness.  The curvature,  proportions and oversized head indicate the perfection, wisdom and compassion of the “Enlightened One. He stands on a multi-tiered circular and waisted base.  Carved Laotian images as old and elegant as this are rare.

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  • Antique/Vintage Bronze Earth Witnessing Buddha, Burma/Myanmar (3553BLEM) $2575

    $2,575.00
    H: 22”  W: 17”  D: 11” | CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING

    This finely and delicately modeled vintage Burmese bronze Buddha Shakyamuni in the Earth Witnessing mudra displaying 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, pendulous ears 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.

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  • Earth Witnessing Bronze Buddha, Thailand (11246BKE) $395

    $395.00
    H: 21”  W: 15.5 ”  D: 9.5” | CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING

    The beautiful contemporary bronze Buddha is rendered in Thai Lopburi style in Earth Witnessing (bhumisparsha mudra)  wearing a simple two-part Theravada Buddhist monk’s robe that shows his religious devotion. He sits on a highly decorative pierced throne on a three footed curved base. The composition is a double triangle: the three-footed throne itself is a horizontal triangle as it recedes backward in space, and the Buddha and the throne form a vertical triangle.  The heavy statue is filled with a cement binder, and it is in excellent condition.

     

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  • Ming Wood Shakyamuni Buddha on Lotus Pedestal, China (16529B-BEME) $4500

    $4,500.00
    H: 18.75:  W: 9.75”  D: 9” | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    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.

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  • SOLD Vintage Earth Witnessing Buddha, Laos (3185A- ELO) $295

    $295.00
    H: 9”  W: 4.25  D: 3.125” | FREE SHIPPING

    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.

  • Vintage Brass Buddha with Aureole, Nepal (30611LEM) $790

    $790.00
    H: 25.5”  W: 11”  D: 6.5” | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This fine vintage brass Nepalese Buddha Shakyamuni sculpture with traditional ushnisha  and urna  stands with his hip flexed to the right similar to a contrapposto posture, weight supported on a single leg suggesting movement. With both hands in teaching mudra he wears a thin, close-fitting monks robe in the “wet style”. His elaborate regal pedestal has a removable aureole with a pierced wheel of the dharma above two Buddhist protective lions facing inward. This piece is elegant in its simplicity and expresses the Buddha’s refined and restrained meditative spirituality.

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