This magnificent 19-inch Standing Multicolored Buddha Statue presents Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, in an unusually vivid standing form distinguished by elaborate hand painting and selectively fire-gilded 24K gold details. Handmade in Patan, Nepal from copper alloy using the traditional lost-wax casting method, the sculpture measures 19 inches high with its removable halo and 18 inches without the frame. Rich maroon robes are covered with sweeping gold floral and foliate designs, while green, red, blue and gold accents create an almost textile-like appearance across the figure and pedestal. The carefully painted face, blue-black curled hair, elongated earlobes and serene downward gaze preserve the recognizable features of Shakyamuni while giving this sculpture a distinctly colorful Himalayan character.
Shakyamuni means “Sage of the Shakya Clan,” referring to Siddhartha Gautama, the historical teacher whose enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree established the Dharma of our present age. In Tibetan tradition he is also called Shakya Thubpa, “Able One of the Shakyas,” and Sangye Tomba, “The Teacher Buddha.” Standing representations emphasize a different dimension of the historical Buddha than the familiar seated meditation form: here he appears active and accessible, recalling the Buddha who traveled through northern India teaching monks, householders and rulers during the decades following his enlightenment.
Standing Multicolored Buddha Statue Iconography
The right arm descends naturally beside the body with the open palm facing forward in Varada mudra, the gesture of generosity, benevolence and the granting of blessings. Clearly visible in the center of the palm is a vajra symbol, representing the indestructible nature of enlightened wisdom. His left hand is raised gracefully near the chest, delicately holding the stems of lotus flowers between the fingers. The lotus stems rise alongside the upper body, reinforcing the association of the lotus with purity and spiritual awakening. His ushnisha rises above tightly arranged blue-black hair coils, while the elongated earlobes and three neck lines preserve the traditional physical characteristics associated with an enlightened Buddha.
Much of the artistic character comes from the extraordinary treatment of the garments. Against the deep brown-maroon ground, the artisan has painted dense curling vines, stylized floral forms and scrolling gold motifs across the front, sleeves, trousers and the entire back of the robe. Green hems with geometric detailing provide a vivid border, demonstrating that the sculpture has been carefully finished from every viewing angle rather than decorated only across the front.
Removable Halo and Multicolored Lotus Throne
Behind Shakyamuni’s head is a removable aureole consisting of a circular inner halo surrounded by a pointed foliate frame. Layers of green, gold and reddish ornamentation repeat the colors of the robes and visually frame the Buddha’s golden face. Beneath his feet, a raised gold platform rests above a colorful row of lotus petals painted in alternating blue, green, red and gold. The rectangular throne below is arranged in brightly decorated bands of green, red and gold scrollwork, creating a coordinated architectural base for the standing figure.
A Coordinated Three-Buddha Display
This Standing Multicolored Buddha Statue can form the central image of an especially attractive three-Buddha grouping with our multicolored Amitabha Buddha statue and multicolored Medicine Buddha statue. All three share richly painted surfaces, brilliant color contrasts and 24K gold detailing, producing a visually harmonious altar arrangement. Symbolically, Shakyamuni represents the historical teacher and Dharma of our present era; Amitabha embodies Infinite Light and the Pure Land tradition; and Medicine Buddha represents healing, the relief of suffering and spiritual medicine. Together they create a complementary devotional presentation united by both finish and Buddhist meaning.
Filling and Consecration in Kathmandu, Nepal
For practitioners purchasing this sculpture for an altar or shrine, arrangements can be made for traditional statue filling and consecration in Kathmandu, Nepal. Sacred mantras, incense, medicinal and aromatic substances and other appropriate materials may be placed within the hollow copper-alloy sculpture before it is sealed and prepared for blessing. This optional service allows the statue to be received not only as a work of Himalayan art but as a properly prepared sacred image for Buddhist practice.
Custom Standing Multicolored Buddha Statues
If you prefer a different size, color palette, pedestal, halo design or combination of gilded and painted details, we can commission custom Tibetan Buddhist statues directly through our artisans in Patan. A standing Shakyamuni can be created according to traditional iconographic requirements while adapting the dimensions and decorative finish for a personal shrine, Dharma center, temple or Buddhist art collection. Custom orders provide an opportunity to preserve authentic Himalayan craftsmanship while creating a statue suited specifically to its intended setting.
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.
