Hand Made Copper Alloy with 24 Karat Gold Gilded and Hand Painted Face 7.25" Shakyamuni Buddha Statue

Shakyamuni Buddha / Tomba Statue

 Shakyamuni Buddha / Tomba – The Lion of the Shakyas

Shakyamuni Buddha / Tomba is the Buddha of our time. He is the glorious root teacher of all the diverse lineages that make up Buddhism as we know it. Born Siddhartha Gautama more than 2500 years ago, he was the crown prince of the Shakya kingdom located in the Himalayan foothills of what is now southern Nepal. He left luxurious palace life behind him, however, in pursuit of the truth of the origin of suffering and the cessation of fear. His astounding courage, determination, wisdom, and compassion led to his perfect enlightenment despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. His teachings have transformed individuals and nations throughout the world and still speak to us today.

Gestures and Attributes

The Shakyamuni Buddha / Tomba is depicted with his right hand extended to the earth in the Bhumisparsha Mudra, the gesture of witness. He is "calling the earth to witness" his supreme victory over the temptations and illusions of the material world as symbolized by the demon Mara. His left-hand lies in his lap with his palm upward in the gesture of meditation (Dhyana Mudra). In some representations he also holds the begging bowl of an ordained Buddhist monk. The bowl contains three precious nectars indicating that he has conquered the three demons of uncontrolled death, contaminated aggregates, and delusion. Thus, this posture is known as "Buddha Shakyamuni Conquering the Demons" and shows the moment of the Buddha's full enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

About this Sculpture

This exquisite sculpture is a profoundly moving representation of Shakyamuni Buddha / Tomba, expertly cast from copper alloy using the lost wax method and gilded with 24-karat gold. The hand-painted face adds a touch of warmth and compassion to the overall design. Each piece is individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya clan, who are renowned for their exceptional skill and dedication to preserving traditional techniques passed down through generations.

The Shakya clan is the modern heir to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. Their fine metalworking techniques have been meticulously passed down from generation to generation since ancient times, ensuring that each piece is a masterpiece that embodies both artistic excellence and profound spiritual significance.

The lost wax method, a traditional technique used in Nepal since the 10th century, allows for the capture of intricate details and features, from the deity's facial expression to the ornate adornments that adorn his form. The subsequent gilding with 24-karat gold, achieved through the traditional fire gilding technique, lends the sculpture a luminous quality that enhances its visual splendor and evokes the enlightened spiritual presence of Shakyamuni Buddha.

This sculpture is a testament to the enduring skill and tradition of the Shakya clan, who continue to create masterpieces that inspire and guide practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism.