Shakyamuni Buddha Statue 9-inch | 24K Gold Gilded with Gemstones

This Shakyamuni Buddha statue is a richly detailed representation of Gautama Buddha, the historical Buddha whose awakening beneath the Bodhi tree established the foundation of the Buddhist path. Measuring 9″ high, 6″ wide, and 4.25″ deep, the statue was handmade in Patan, Nepal from copper alloy using the traditional lost wax casting method and is fire gilded in 24K gold. Its face is separately hand painted with 18K gold and natural pigments, while black hair, delicately painted eyes and lips create a serene contrast with the luminous gilded body.

What especially distinguishes this sculpture is the extraordinary treatment of Shakyamuni’s monastic robes. Hand-carved scrollwork extends across the robe, sash, sleeves and seated folds, while genuine turquoise and red coral stones are set at intervals into the ornamental borders. The reverse is equally accomplished: elaborate engraving covers the robe across the back, culminating in a prominent lotus motif above the lower folds. Rather than concentrating the craftsmanship only on the front, the artisan has treated the statue as a complete devotional sculpture intended to reward viewing from every direction. Learn more about the Historical Buddha and his iconography in our guide to Shakyamuni Buddha statues.

Historical Buddha Iconography

Shakyamuni sits in vajrasana, the full lotus posture associated with meditation and stability. His right arm extends across the knee with the fingertips directed toward the earth in Bhumisparsha Mudra, or the earth-touching gesture. This distinctive mudra recalls the decisive moment preceding his enlightenment, when Siddhartha Gautama called the earth to witness the merit he had accumulated after Mara challenged his right to attain awakening. It is consequently one of the most recognizable and meaningful representations of the Historical Buddha.

His left hand rests peacefully in his lap supporting a monastic alms bowl, balancing the dynamic earth-touching gesture with the contemplative character of the Buddha’s renunciant life. Other identifying characteristics visible in the sculpture include elongated earlobes, tightly curled hair, the raised ushnisha crowned by a golden finial, and the urna centered between the brows. Together these elements distinguish Shakyamuni as an awakened Buddha while the simple monastic identity recalls Siddhartha Gautama’s renunciation of royal privilege. Explore the deeper meaning of Shakyamuni Buddha and the symbolism embodied in his traditional representations.

A Matching Shakyamuni, Amida and Healing Buddha Statue Set

This 9″ Shakyamuni was made in a closely complementary artistic style to our gold gilded Amida Buddha sculpture and Healing Buddha statue. Their similar proportions, brilliant gold surfaces, painted faces, dark curled hair, engraved monastic robes and lotus pedestals allow the three sculptures to be displayed together as a visually cohesive altar set. At the same time, their individual hand gestures and attributes preserve the distinctive identity of each Buddha rather than making the group merely decorative.

The three also form a meaningful doctrinal grouping. Shakyamuni represents the Historical Buddha who realized awakening and taught the Dharma in our world; Amida, or Amitabha, embodies Infinite Light and the Pure Land tradition of liberation through faith, merit and remembrance of the Buddha; while Medicine Buddha, Bhaisajyaguru, embodies healing and the alleviation of physical, mental and spiritual suffering. Displayed together, they can therefore represent the Buddhist path through teaching, liberation and healing—three complementary dimensions of enlightened activity. Their different mudras make those distinctions immediately visible while their closely related craftsmanship gives the group visual unity.

Custom Made Shakyamuni Buddha Statues

For collectors or practitioners who require another size or wish to create a coordinated altar ensemble, we can arrange custom Tibetan Buddhist statues handmade in Nepal. A Shakyamuni Buddha statue may be commissioned in copper alloy with traditional 24K gold fire gilding, a hand-painted face, specialized robe engraving, gemstone embellishments, or dimensions selected to complement other figures on an existing shrine. Coordinated Shakyamuni, Amitabha and Medicine Buddha statues can likewise be commissioned with compatible proportions, pedestal designs and finishes while preserving the correct iconography of each Buddha.