Antique Camphor Wood Buddha Statue
Shakyamuni Blessing
No Fear and Charity Gestures
Chinese, Qing Dynasty, circa : 19th century
H.19.5in.(49cm.), W. 9 in.(23cm.), D.11.5 in.(29cm.)
Condition: crack line on base, oa. very good

This Buddha carving is an amazing union of substance and subject. The Buddha in bestowing generosity and no fear mudras is serenely poised on an open lotus in dhyana asana. Upright and full of dignity, wearing simple dhoti and scarves which drape over his arms and fall to the sides, is a noble representation that is made astoundingly beautiful by the natural grain of the camphor wood. Within a pattern of concentric arcs and circles, the essential spiritual core begins at the heart chakra and widens outward like waves in a still pool, a meditation in itself.

This fine sculpture is of considerable age and is worn smooth; traces of color remain on part of the garment, some green in the scarves and traces of red, blue and violet on the crown. The Buddha is adorned with earrings, necklaces, armlets and a beaded girdle fastened at the front with a lotus. The piece has great quietude and authority. With the marvelous natural formations this is truly an awe-inspiring Buddha.

Sold to Private Collection