Hand Made Copper Alloy in Oxidation Finish 6.75" Sakyamuni Buddha / Tomba Statue

Sakyamuni Buddha Statue

 Sakyamuni – The Lion of the Shakyas

Sakyamuni 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 Buddha 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 Sakyamuni Conquering the Demons" and shows the moment of the Buddha's full enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

About this Sculpture

This statue is a captivating portrayal of Sakyamuni, masterfully sculpted from copper alloy and treated with a rich oxidation process to achieve a sensuous finish. The fine, intricate hand carvings throughout the statue highlight the exceptional skill involved in its creation. Sakyamuni sits gracefully in meditation upon a lotus throne, exuding the serene majesty of one who has attained enlightenment. His slightly inclined head and subtle smile convey a secret inner joy, evoking feelings of encouragement and tranquility in the observer.

The Buddha’s robes are exquisitely adorned with intricate carvings of flowers and winding vines, with especially marvelous detailing on the back of the sculpture. Here, a beautiful lotus blossom is surrounded by delicately carved leaves and vines, demonstrating the artisan’s mastery. The lotus base, too, is beautifully hand-carved with fine designs of winding vines, complementing the overall aesthetic. The lovely oxidation finish lends the sculpture a warm, inviting presence, encouraging reflection and a sense of peace.

This statue was individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, by master artisans of the Shakya clan, who are celebrated for their unmatched expertise in metalworking. These craftsmen are the modern heirs of a centuries-old tradition, creating sacred art for temples and monasteries. Their fine metalworking techniques, passed down through generations, are evident in every detail of this statue, making it a true embodiment of the Shakya clan’s enduring legacy.