The remarkable depth of hand engraving distinguishes this 14″ Antiquated Shakyamuni Sculpture from more restrained interpretations of the historical Buddha. Its monastic robe has been treated almost like a ceremonial brocade, with fine floral and scrolling designs extending across the shoulder, torso, folded legs, and reverse of the sculpture. Raised ornamental borders define the robe’s edges, while a carefully sculpted fan-shaped fold rests over the left shoulder. The oxidized copper-alloy surface develops subtle shades of brown, bronze, and muted green that settle into the recessed carving and make the patterns more visible as the statue is viewed from different angles.
This Antiquated Shakyamuni Sculpture was handmade in Patan, Nepal using the traditional lost wax casting method. The artisan first formed the figure and its detailed patterns in wax before casting the sculpture in copper alloy and applying the antiquated finish. Smooth areas across the face, chest, right arm, and upper back provide a deliberate contrast with the ornamented robe. This visual balance preserves the simplicity of Shakyamuni’s monastic identity while allowing the artisan’s exceptional engraving work to remain one of the statue’s defining features.
Shakyamuni Buddha is the historical teacher whose enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree became the foundation of the Buddhist path. Born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama, he renounced royal privilege after confronting the realities of aging, sickness, and death. Through meditation and direct insight, he awakened to the causes of suffering and the path leading beyond it. Learn more about his life and teachings in our guide to Shakyamuni Buddha statues and the historical Buddha.
Antiquated Shakyamuni Sculpture Features
The Antiquated Shakyamuni Sculpture sits in full lotus posture upon a single lotus pedestal. His right hand reaches downward over the knee in the Bhumisparsha, or earth-touching, mudra. This Buddhist hand gesture recalls the decisive moment when Mara challenged Siddhartha’s right to attain enlightenment. Shakyamuni touched the earth and called it to witness the merit he had accumulated through countless lifetimes. The gesture therefore represents unwavering resolve, the defeat of ignorance, and the realization of perfect awakening. Explore the meaning of the Bhumisparsha mudra in our complete Shakyamuni guide.
His left hand rests palm upward in the meditation gesture, supporting a lidded monastic alms bowl. The bowl recalls Shakyamuni’s renunciation of princely life and his dependence upon freely offered food while teaching the Dharma. Together, the two hands unite meditation with realization: the left hand reflects the disciplined inner practice that preceded enlightenment, while the right hand marks the moment that awakening became complete.
Traditional signs of Buddhahood include the elongated earlobes, three neck lines, urna between the brows, right-turning hair curls, and the ushnisha rising above the head. The serene face is left unpainted so that its expression emerges directly from the dark antiquated copper finish. Around the base, bold lotus petals are framed by a beaded rim, a finely textured upper border, and an engraved ornamental band near the foot. The reverse confirms the completeness of the craftsmanship: floral medallions and scrolling vines continue across the robe and seated legs rather than ending at the front. Read answers to frequently asked questions about the Buddha’s physical characteristics, or browse our collection of Shakyamuni Buddha statues.
Antiquated Shakyamuni Sculpture for a Matching Four Statue Set
This Antiquated Shakyamuni Statue can be combined with our matching antiquated Manjushri statue, Medicine Buddha Statue and Amitabha Buddha Statue. The four sculptures were created by the same master artisan and share closely coordinated dimensions, oxidized copper finishes, single lotus pedestals, and engraving styles. Together they form a harmonious altar arrangement representing Shakyamuni as the historical teacher, Manjushri as the embodiment of transcendental wisdom, Medicine Buddha as the embodiment of enlightened healing, and Amitabha as the Buddha of Infinite Light and guide to the Pure Land of Sukhavati.
Custom Made Buddha Statues
Collectors, Dharma centers, and monasteries may also commission a custom made Shakyamuni Buddha statue in a different size or finish. A custom sculpture may be ordered with an oxidized copper surface similar to this example, more extensive robe engraving, an alternative lotus pedestal, a traditional gold painted face, or fire gilding in 24K pure gold. Matching Manjushri, Medicine Buddha and Amitabha Buddha statues may be commissioned at the same time so that all four figures share consistent proportions, pedestal designs, finishes, and artistic details. Each statue is individually cast from copper alloy and finished by hand in Nepal using traditional techniques.
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.
