This bronze Buddha showcases high end artistry from Nepal, capturing a sense of tranquillity and inner peace. The Buddha's head is a symbol of his profound wisdom, divine insight, and spiritual journey towards enlightenment.
In Nepal, the tradition of crafting Buddhist sculptures has been passed down through generation. This statue follows the ancient practice of casting bronze. Nepalese artists include specific facial features of the Buddha with long, relaxed eyes and a wider face than those crafted in eastern Indian.
To learn about the design and symbolism of this piece, please scroll down past the measurements.
Photography note: Since bronze reflects light, you'll see variations in the color from photo to photo. I made sure to photograph in natural light only and without any adjustments. Please carefully review all photos and feel free to message me if you have additional questions or would like more photos.
Condition: In great condition for vintage – patina with no dents. This piece was acquired through a reputable auction house.
Timeframe: Dates to to the late 20th century.
Measurements: 5 inches wide, 8 inches tall
Weight: 2 pounds, 14 ounces
Description of features:
Neck – According to Sutra teachings, the three lines in the Buddha's neck symbolize the three categories of training — conduct, concentration and wisdom.
Smile – The faint smile on the statue depicts the serene nature of the Buddha after attaining enlightenment.
Eyes – The half-closed eyes of Buddha casting a gentle downward gaze, suggests profound concentration and meditative state. The dot between the eyes is called the Urna (third eye), it signifies the Buddha's ability to perceive the ultimate truth of reality. This addition of the Urna to a sculpture adds spiritual depth.
Ear Lobes – The earlobes of the Buddha are elongated, a reminder of his earlier days as a prince when he wore heavy gold earrings. The elongated ears of the Buddha have since become associated with enlightenment to hear all the suffering in the world, a symbol of infinite compassion and wisdom.
Top of the Buddha's head – Features a prominent cranial bump known as the "ushnisha," it represents the pinnacle of spiritual wisdom and a fully awakened crown chakra. This ushnishna is adorned with intricate spiral hair curls, symbolizing the enlightenment achieved by the Buddha. On the very top is a pointed shape, symbolizing a flame to represent spiritual energy.
Tips for Displaying Respectfully – Ideally, the statue should always face in the eastern direction to stimulate the energy. To show respect, the statue should never be displayed directly on the floor, and should not be placed in a bathroom, storeroom or laundry room. Avoid touching the head, since it's not considered respectful.
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