Limestone Shakyamuni Buddha Head, c. 1800

This carved stone stele depicts the historical Buddha, known also as Shaka, Shakyamuni, or Siddhartha Gautama. Seated in perpetual meditation, the Buddha embodies virtues of wisdom and composure. Hand-carved of limestone in the style of Northern Wei (386-535) statuary, the Buddha is depicted upon a lotus plinth with legs crossed in lotus position. His hands are held downwards in bhumisparsha mudra, a gesture representing the moment that the Buddha claimed the earth as witness to his awakening. The Buddha has a peaceful, benevolent expression and is framed by a halo of concentric circles. His figure is surrounded by attendant bodhisattvas, carved in relief on the curved stele behind and platform below. Leafy tree branches add a naturalistic touch to the background, wrapping around to the back of the stele to form a canopy above a second, smaller Buddha...

This intricate limestone stele of a standing buddha likely depicts Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. The only Buddhist divinity revered as both a bodhisattva and a Buddha, Maitreya is prophesied to return to Earth some time in the distant future and continue the historic Buddha's teachings of the Dharma. Like the historic Shakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya is a compassionate being devoted to showing the path to enlightenment. Carved in the style of sixth century Chinese statuary...

As the embodiment of compassion, Guanyin is the most beloved enlightened being in China. Known as the Goddess of Mercy, she is the female bodhisattva form taken by Avalokitesvara in eastern Buddhism and is instantly available to all who call upon her with their mind. Though commonly depicted as a woman in Chinese statuary...

Ancestor worship was an integral part of traditional Chinese home life. This carved figure bears the likeness of one of its original owner's important for...

A beautiful figure of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni seated in bhumisparsha, signifying the moment of the Buddha's enlightenment, Laos, 17th-18th century. Well cast and displaying a beautiful patina, the Buddha sits upon a separately cast high pedestal, legs folded in vajrasana, one hand held in his lap, the other draped gracefully over his knee, long fingers reaching down to touch the earth, calling it to witness his enlightenment. The Buddha's heart-shaped face is simply divine, with high, arched brows over downcast eyes, a broad nose, and full lips pursed...

17th century Thai Buddha head (Kingdom of Ayutthaya) carved on sandstone with a serene, delicate expression. The finesse of the master sculptor's work is remarkable here: the large ...

A fine example of a hand carved solid wood Oriental Buddha head, in overall good condition, hand painted and the top ornament made of bronze. Mounted on decorative genuine coral...

Seated Shakyamuni Buddha in a Lacquered Zushi Buddhist Altar Cabinet. This is a remarkable Japanese wooden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha 釈迦如来坐像, from the Edo period (1600-1868). The...