This 60cm Shakyamuni Buddha statue is presented within a fully gilded architectural frame and seated on an elaborate throne — a complete altar installation rather than a standalone figure. The frame surrounds the statue as a mandorla-style surround, the throne raises it on a formal base, and semi-precious stones are worked into the ornamentation throughout. Everything is fire gilded in 24K gold. The result is a self-contained altar centerpiece that requires no additional presentation elements — the statue, its surround, and its throne arrive as a unified composition ready for installation. The statue was handcrafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya caste using the traditional lost wax sculpting method.
Shakyamuni Buddha — the Buddha of our current kalpa — discovered the path to liberation through his own investigation and meditation, achieved full enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, and then spent the remaining 45 years of his life teaching the Dharma to sentient beings. His original teachings gave rise to all three major branches of Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Read the Buddhist Gods and Deities FAQ for a clear explanation of the differences between the three Buddhist traditions and their relationship to the Buddhist pantheon.
Shakyamuni Statue Features
Shakyamuni is depicted in full lotus posture displaying the Bhumisparsha mudra — the earth-touching gesture — right hand draped over the right knee with the palm facing inward and the fingers extended downward toward the ground. This is the gesture the historical Buddha displayed under the Bodhi tree as Mara challenged his right to enlightenment — deploying temptation, fear, and finally a direct challenge to his accumulated merit. Shakyamuni responded by calling the earth deity to witness his realization, Mara’s challenge was defeated, and enlightenment was achieved. Explore the symbolism of the Bhumisparsha mudra and other Shakyamuni hand gestures in our complete guide to Shakyamuni statues.
His left hand rests in the lap in the Dhyana mudra — the meditation gesture, palm open and upward — with the alms bowl resting in the palm. The alms bowl is the emblem of Shakyamuni’s monastic renunciation and is understood to hold the three nectars that counteract the three poisons of greed, hatred, and ignorance — the same three poisons whose elimination the Buddha’s teaching describes as the path to liberation.
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.
