Chinese, Qing, Circa: 19th Century century
h.49 in.(125cm) X w.12 in.(30cm) X d.10 in.(25cm)
Condition: crack lines, paint loss, o.a. good
A
large antique wood Shakyamuni, carved in multiple sections to minimize cracks.
The Historic Buddha is standing in blessing gestures, with his right hand in abhaya
mudra, the gesture of protection banishing fear; the left hand in varada mudra,
the gesture of generosity and granting wishes, standing on a double lotus base
in simple robes with inner garment fastened high, a style exemplifying the archaism
of the later dynasties. Layers of paint have been removed, leaving varied traces
of color over the bare wood, which is dappled with the accretions of time and
richly grained. Buddha's face is pensive, full and serene in the bliss of his
perfect enlightenment.