Our gold plated 12.5″ Amitayus sculpture was hand crafted in Patan, Nepal, by Shakya artisans using the traditional lost wax method. As a result, the sculpture displays remarkable detail that cannot be found in lesser quality statues: a delicately hand-painted face with a turquoise-blue urna set between the brows, softly outlined eyes, and lips finished in red; three neck lines, one of the traditional marks of an enlightened being; and blue-black hair that falls over both shoulders before rising into a tall gathered topknot above the crown, capped with a gold finial. The artisans of Patan have long been the preferred source of sculptures and ritual items for the Tibetan monasteries, using methods passed down from their ancestors — so the buyer can rest assured they have procured a monastic quality Amitayus sculpture.
Amitayus is depicted sitting on a single lotus pedestal in full lotus pose, holding his ambrosia vessel filled with the nectar of longevity, its lid rising into an ornamental sprouting plume. He is adorned with the intricately sculpted crown and jewels of a Bodhisattva: a five-pointed crown, large circular floral earrings, a layered necklace set with a long beaded strand reaching the belly, armbands, and wristlets, while ribboned scarves loop around his elbows and flare into stylized swirls at either side of his knees. The robe is intricately engraved with elegant scrollwork designs on both the front and back. At the request of the buyer, we would be happy to adorn the crown and jewels with turquoise and red coral stones before delivery, at no extra charge — the statue will wear them well and make a striking addition to your altar.
Amitayus Sculpture Longevity Attribute
Amitayus has a very close affiliation with Amitabha Buddha, because Amitayus is the sambhogakaya embodiment of Amitabha’s longevity attribute. Buddhas and high-level Bodhisattvas have the ability to appear in different forms, taking whatever form is necessary to ease the suffering of sentient beings. Read more about his place among the Buddhas in Amitayus in the Buddhist pantheon.
Amitayus sculptures serve as the centerpiece of Tibetan longevity rituals. As part of the ritual, a vessel is filled with wine and consecrated, and each participant drinks a small portion, which is believed to prolong life. Learn more about the origin of Amitayus Long Life Practice and Meaning, or browse our full collection of Amitayus Buddha statues to compare sizes and finishes.
Authentic, Handmade in Nepal
Every statue and ritual item is handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, using traditional lost wax casting and comes with a certificate of authenticity issued by Nepal's Department of Archaeology, verifying its materials, technique, and origin.
