Our framed masterpiece 52cm Shakyamuni Buddha statue represents the Historical Buddha seated on a stacked double lotus throne, with a magnificent teardrop-shaped aureole rising behind him — its border worked in flame-and-foliate scrollwork around a radiant circular halo framing the head. Shakyamuni earned the title “Sammasambuddha” — a perfectly self-awakened one — because he discovered the Dharma path on his own and attained Nirvana without a teacher, then taught all of his followers how to realize enlightenment themselves. All subsequent Buddhas and the entire Sangha have followed in his footsteps.
Shakyamuni Buddha was the father of the original Buddhist teaching, and as its acceptance spread far from its origins, it gave rise to the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions practiced worldwide today. Learn more about the meaning behind the name Shakyamuni Buddha in our complete guide to Shakyamuni statues.
Shakyamuni Buddha Statue Features
In honor of his awakening, this masterpiece Shakyamuni Buddha statue is depicted in the Bhumisparsha, or “Earth Touching,” mudra — the gesture celebrating his victory over the temptations of evil. While meditating under the Bodhi tree on the verge of enlightenment, he was set upon by the demon Mara with worldly temptations and terrors. Mara’s efforts were in vain: Shakyamuni reached down and touched the earth, calling the earth goddess as witness to the merit of his countless lifetimes.
The earth goddess arose in answer and swept the demon’s army away, and Shakyamuni became the enlightened Buddha of our era. Yet he did not leave his followers behind — he remained for decades of teaching, helping others follow the path to enlightenment.
This 52cm gold gilded statue sits in full lotus pose, his blue-painted curls rising to the ushnisha, his robe covered in fine engraved scrollwork with patterned bands crossing the chest and sleeve. The double lotus throne beneath him — an ornately petaled upper pedestal seated on a broader lower lotus tier — is a mark reserved for especially venerated figures, and the lotus is Shakyamuni’s own symbol: just as the flower grows from the muddy pond bottom to blossom in clean air and sunshine, the Buddha rose above the vicissitudes of samsara to attain enlightenment. The alms bowl of a monastic rests in his upturned left palm, symbolizing his renunciant life. Have questions about Shakyamuni Buddha statues? Read our Shakyamuni Buddha FAQ, or browse our full collection of Shakyamuni 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.
