The unique features of this original silver plated Shakyamuni statue include silver plating, gold face painting and antiquated finish. Additionally, the artisan engraved the eight Tibetan auspicious symbols on Shakyamuni’s robe. Please find the white umbrella, 2 fish, treasure vase, victory banner, endless knot, golden wheel, right turning conch shell and the lotus flower.
Customary characteristics of the silver plated Shakyamuni statue include the elongated ears, ushnisha topknot, third eye of wisdom, neck lines and right turning hair coils. Each symbol is a mark of high social class in ancient India. Additionally, they are commonly attributed to sculptures of both Buddhas and high level bodhisattvas.
Silver Plated Shakyamuni Statue Mudras
After his renunciation, Siddhartha lived in the forest as a renunciant for six years fulfilling the path to enlightenment. As a result, his depiction of the Bhumisparsha mudra commemorates the moment he became a self arisen Buddha. Additionally, he is depicting the Dhyana “meditation” mudra with the left hand. The alms bowl of a monk rests in the palm.
Shakyamuni Buddha is seated in full lotus pose on top of a double lotus pedestal. Additionally, on the back of the pedestal are two deer which commemorate his first sermon at the deer park. This was a monumental event in the history of Buddhism because it was when he set the “Wheel of Dharma” in motion. Click here to learn more about the life of the historical Buddha.
