This imposing 18.25-inch Silver Shakyamuni Buddha Statue presents the historical Buddha with the quiet dignity and substantial proportions appropriate for a dedicated shrine room, Dharma center, monastery altar, or important collection of Himalayan Buddhist art. Handmade in Patan, Nepal from copper alloy using the traditional lost-wax casting method, the sculpture combines an antiquated oxidized surface with silver-plated areas that create a restrained contrast between warm brown tones and softly luminous silver. At approximately 12 kilograms, this is a substantial devotional sculpture whose scale allows the finely finished robe, facial features, mudras, and lotus pedestal to be appreciated in exceptional detail.
Shakyamuni, whose name means “Sage of the Shakya Clan,” is the historical Gautama Buddha and the teacher whose enlightenment and Dharma teachings form the foundation of the Buddhist traditions practiced today. He is also known in Tibetan tradition as Shakya Thubpa, “Able One of the Shakyas,” and Sangye Tomba, “The Teacher Buddha.” His elongated earlobes, tightly arranged right-turning hair curls, prominent ushnisha, urna between the brows, and three neck lines preserve the traditional physical characteristics associated with an enlightened Buddha.
Silver Shakyamuni Buddha Statue Iconography
The Buddha sits in the full lotus posture with his right arm descending naturally across the knee in the Bhumisparsha mudra. His extended fingers touch the earth, recalling the decisive moment beneath the Bodhi tree when Siddhartha called the earth to witness his awakening in response to Mara’s challenge. His left hand rests palm upward in the Dhyana mudra and supports a monastic alms bowl. Together, these gestures unite the attainment of enlightenment with the contemplative discipline that preceded it. Learn more about the Bhumisparsha mudra and Shakyamuni Buddha’s traditional hand gestures.
The alms bowl also recalls Shakyamuni’s renunciation of princely life and adoption of the mendicant path. In Buddhist symbolism it is traditionally associated with spiritual nourishment and the transformation of the three poisons of ignorance, attachment, and aversion. Its restrained form provides a visual counterpoint to the exceptionally detailed treatment of the surrounding robe.
Antiquated Silver Finish and Hand-Engraved Robes
One of this sculpture’s most distinguished qualities is the extensive engraving visible across the monastic robes. Delicate scrolling botanical patterns follow the garment over the shoulders, arms, lap, and back, while raised ornamental borders define the robe edges. The antiquated-oxidized treatment settles naturally into these recesses and emphasizes the chasing and engraved details rather than concealing them beneath a uniformly bright surface. Silver-toned areas across the face, chest, arms, ornaments, and selected lotus details create an aged ceremonial appearance that complements the darker copper-alloy patina.
Shakyamuni rests upon an exceptionally broad double lotus throne. The upper tier is formed from rounded lotus petals beneath a beaded seat rim, while the lower tier uses larger outward-spreading petals to give the 15-inch-wide sculpture visual stability. Fine engraved ornament also continues around the pedestal, allowing the statue to reward viewing from the front, sides, and rear.
Silver Shakyamuni Buddha Statue with Maitreya
For a historically meaningful two-statue arrangement, Shakyamuni pairs beautifully with this handmade Maitreya Buddha statue. Shakyamuni represents the Buddha and Dharma of our present age, while Maitreya represents the future Buddha who, according to Buddhist tradition, will appear after Shakyamuni’s teachings have disappeared and teach the Dharma anew. Their finishes also coordinate visually: both employ an antiquated copper and silver-toned aesthetic, while the Maitreya adds selective gold-plated accents. Displayed together, they create a compelling representation of the continuity of the Dharma from the present Buddha to the Buddha of the future.
Filling and Consecration in Kathmandu, Nepal
For practitioners who intend the statue for devotional use, arrangements can be made for traditional Buddha statue filling, blessing, and consecration in Nepal before shipment. Appropriate sacred materials such as rolled mantras, incense, fragrant substances, and other traditional contents can be placed inside the statue before it is resealed and presented to a qualified Buddhist guru for consecration. Please contact us before completing your purchase if you would like this service arranged.
Custom Tibetan Buddhist Statues
Collectors, monasteries, and Dharma centers seeking another size, finish, or individualized interpretation can also commission custom Tibetan Buddhist statues directly from our master artisans in Patan. A Shakyamuni sculpture can be produced in oxidized copper, silver-plated, selectively gilded, or 24K gold fire-gilded finishes, with dimensions and decorative treatment selected for the intended altar or collection. Each commission is handmade using the traditional lost-wax method, allowing the finished statue to retain the individuality of authentic Newar sacred sculpture.
Authentic, Handmade in Nepal
Every statue 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.
