This 61cm gold gilded masterpiece Shakyamuni Buddha statue sits in full lotus pose atop a lotus cushion, itself raised on a magnificent multi-tiered stepped throne — engraved band upon engraved band, edged with beading, in the style of a temple altar installation. The lotus is Shakyamuni’s own symbol: just as the flower grows from the bottom of a muddy pond 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 the palm of his left hand, symbolizing his renunciant life, and rising behind him is the piece’s crowning feature — a spectacular openwork torana frame, its columned posts and scrolling foliate branches arching inward to meet at a flaming crest above his head.
In honor of his awakening, this masterpiece Shakyamuni Buddha statue is depicted in the Bhumisparsha, or “earth touching,” mudra — the gesture that celebrates his victory over earthly temptation. Assailed under the Bodhi tree by the demon Mara, Shakyamuni reached down and touched the earth, calling the earth goddess as witness to the merit of his countless lifetimes.
She arose in answer and bore witness to the futility of Mara’s efforts, sweeping 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. Read more about his place at the head of the tradition in Shakyamuni Buddha in the Buddhist pantheon.
Sculptors of Masterpiece Shakyamuni Buddha Statue
Nepali Buddha statues are created with intricate precision using the lost wax casting method — each statue is one of a kind and can never be exactly recreated. This piece is finished to the highest standard: observe the turquoise and coral stones adorning the robe’s jeweled trim and the engraved front panel of the seat, and the flawless scrollwork engravings carried across the robe, throne tiers, and torana. The Buddha’s tightly curled hair is painted a deep lapis blue — the traditional color of a Buddha’s hair in Himalayan iconography — rising to the ushnisha, with the urna, elongated earlobes, and three neck lines completing the traditional marks of an enlightened being.
Our masterpiece Shakyamuni statue will inspire devotees to remain dedicated and strive toward the ultimate goal, and precious statues are traditionally understood to generate good karma for their owner. A piece of this caliber deserves confidence in its provenance — see our guide, Is Your Nepali Buddha Statue Authentic?, for what distinguishes genuine Patan craftsmanship. Have questions about Shakyamuni Buddha statues? Read our Shakyamuni Buddha FAQ, covering iconography, mudras, and the historical Buddha’s life story.
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.
