Shakyamuni
(sage of the Shakyas) is the historical Buddha. In the 6th century 563 BC, the
prince Siddhartha Gautama achieved spiritual enlightenment. Buddhism teaches that
each human has the seed of boddhicitta, this innate potential to achieve this
inner illumination.
This 19th century, antique gilt gold silver Tibetan bronze statue is particularly
impressive in its ornate detail and fine casting. The Buddha countenance is in
deep contemplation and is highlighted by a crystal inset into the third eye. The
ears are elegantly elongated and a beautifully articulated topknot crowns the
head. Shakyamuni’s robes are rendered here in high detail a display of an intricate
textile pattern. He holds a medicine bowl, symbolically filled with the nectar
that bestows enlightenment and he sits on a full lusciously rendered lotus pedestal.
This Tibetan bronze has a gilded silver mantra in the back.