Ushnisha

The ushnisha is a raised cranial protuberance, sometimes described as a three- dimensional oval or a top knot chignon, that is a symbol of the Buddha’s Enlightenment and denotes his intellectual power, wisdom, and attainment of spiritual radiance. It’s origin may be from hair styling in India where men tied their long hair in a bun to wear a turban or, as with the Buddha, an ascetic’s top-knot. Artistic renderings of the ushnisha vary by region and Buddhist tradition. In Mahayana Buddhism it is portrayed as a smooth rounded bump atop the Buddha’s head and in Southeast Asia, center of Theravada Buddhism, it is often represented as a tall thin rising flame or lotus flower. The ushnisha is sometimes centered with a painted hemisphere, called a nikkeishu in Japanese, symbolizing a jewel radiating the light of wisdom.

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  • Antique Carved Buddha in Freedom from Fear, Laos (3148LKE) $1275

    $1,275.00
    H: 20”  W: 3.75”  D: 3.75” | CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING

    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.

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  • Antique Carved Jambupati Buddha, Burma/Myanmar (3257VKHO)

    $2,250.00
    H: 26”  W: 10”  D: 5” | CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING QUOTE

    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.

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  • Antique Jeweled Buddha Jambupati, Burma/Myanmar (3286DOSE)

    $2,575.00
    H: 25.5”  W: 9.75”  D: 5” | CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING

    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.

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  • Antique Large Buddha in Teaching Mudra, China (17013BREM) CALL FOR PRICE

    H: 30″  W: 18″  D: 10″ | CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING AND PRICE INFORMATION

    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.

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  • Antique Ming/Qing Wood Shakyamuni Buddha in Meditation, China (16089BMEM) $3400

    $3,400.00
    H: 14”  W: 9.375”  D: 7.25” | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    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.

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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 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.

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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)

    H: 18.75:  W: 9.75”  D: 9” | Call us AT 213-568-3030 fOR SHIPPING and price information

    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 Buddha Shakyamuni sculpture reflects characteristics of unique Nepalese style. With both hands in teaching mudra, wearing in the “wet style” monks robe, he stands with similar to a contrapposto posture, weight supported on a single leg suggesting movement.  His elaborate regal pedestal has a removable aureole with  wheel of the dharma above two Buddhist protective lions. This piece is elegant in its simplicity and expresses the Buddha’s refined and restrained meditative spirituality.

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