Shakyamuni Buddha; Teaching Buddha; Dharma Buddha
---This exceptional 38cm / 15" Shakyamuni Buddha statue represents the pinnacle of Nepalese master craftsmanship—a museum-quality pure copper hand-carved masterwork featuring complete 24k gold-gilding and the meticulous hand-carved details that distinguish a true masterpiece of Himalayan art.
· Height: 38 cm / 15 inches
· Material: Pure copper with complete 24k gold-gilding
· Style: Shakyamuni Buddha in Dharmachakra Mudra (Teaching Mudra)
· Origin: Museum-quality masterwork hand-carved in Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
· Ideal for: Meditation space, home altar, spiritual art collection, monastery hall, teaching shrine
This statue depicts Shakyamuni Buddha performing the Dharmachakra Mudra, symbolizing the First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma at Deer Park in Sarnath. In Nepalese workshops, this form is often referred to as the "Teaching Buddha" or "讲法佛"—the Buddha in the act of sharing his enlightened realization with the world.
Shakyamuni Buddha, the "Sage of the Shakya Clan," is the historical Buddha and founder of the Buddhist tradition in this present age. Born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini (modern-day Nepal), he renounced his royal life to seek the truth of existence, attaining perfect enlightenment at Bodh Gaya under the Bodhi tree. Following his awakening, he traveled to Sarnath, where he delivered his first sermon to five ascetic companions at the Deer Park, setting in motion the Wheel of Dharma and establishing the Sangha. This moment—the First Turning of the Wheel—marks the beginning of the Buddhist tradition as a living path of practice.
Seated in full vajra posture (padmasana) upon a double-lotus throne, his hands form the Dharmachakra Mudra at his heart—the gesture of turning the wheel of Dharma. In this sacred mudra, the thumb and index finger of each hand touch to form a circle, representing the union of wisdom and compassion, while the remaining fingers extend outward, symbolizing the transmission of teachings to all beings. The right hand represents the method or skillful means, while the left hand represents wisdom, together signifying the perfect integration of these two essential qualities on the path to enlightenment.
This particular mudra holds profound significance in Buddhist iconography. It commemorates the Buddha's first teaching at Sarnath, where he shared the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path—the foundational teachings that have guided countless beings toward liberation. Unlike the bhumisparsha mudra (earth-touching gesture) that depicts the moment of his enlightenment, the Dharmachakra Mudra captures the Buddha's compassionate decision to share his realization with others, transforming his personal awakening into a universal path accessible to all beings.
His serene expression embodies the perfect peace of one who has realized truth and now shares it with boundless compassion—downcast eyes that gaze upon all beings with unconditional love, a gentle smile radiating the warmth of enlightened wisdom. The ushnisha (cranial protuberance) atop his head signifies supreme wisdom, while the urna (hair curl) between his brows represents his omniscient vision. His elongated earlobes recall his princely origins and his renunciation of worldly wealth, symbolizing the freedom that comes from letting go.
The "museum-quality" specification is embodied in every millimeter of this masterwork—from the precise iconometric proportions established over a millennium ago to the flawless surface finishing that will endure for centuries. The complete 24k gold-gilding adds radiant luminosity to the entire sculpture. Multiple layers of pure gold are carefully applied using traditional mercury-gilding techniques, creating a warm, glowing surface that catches light and draws the eye to the Buddha's serene presence. This full gold finish ensures the deity shines with maximum splendor from every angle.
Every element of this hand-carved masterwork reflects the extraordinary skill of the master artisan. The monastic robe, draped elegantly over his left shoulder, follows precise iconographic conventions while demonstrating the artisan's mastery of form and flow. The delicate folds of the robe are carved with natural grace, creating a sense of soft fabric despite the hardness of metal. The double-lotus throne beneath him features layers of individually carved petals—each petal precisely shaped, their tips slightly curled, creating a throne of sacred beauty.
The hand-carved details extend to every aspect of the sculpture:
· The precisely rendered folds of the monastic robe
· The perfectly formed Dharmachakra Mudra, each finger positioned with precision
· The individually carved lotus petals of the throne
· The serene expression on his face, conveying both wisdom and compassion
According to traditional sources, the First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma at Sarnath established the foundational teachings of Buddhism. The Buddha's first discourse, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta ("Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dharma"), introduced the Middle Way between extreme asceticism and sensual indulgence, the Four Noble Truths, and the Noble Eightfold Path. This teaching continues to serve as the essential framework for understanding the Buddha's path, making the Dharmachakra Mudra one of the most significant gestures in Buddhist iconography.
For more than a millennium, the Kathmandu Valley has nurtured a living lineage of metal sculptors who have preserved the secrets of ancient lost-wax creation at the highest level. This 38cm Shakyamuni Buddha in Dharmachakra Mudra masterwork represents that living heritage at its zenith—a museum-quality piece bearing the unmistakable hallmarks of master-level workmanship: perfect proportions, crisp detailing, flawless finishing, and the serene presence that distinguishes true masterworks from all ordinary production pieces. The combination of pure copper construction, complete 24k gold-gilding, master-level carving, and the profound significance of the Dharmachakra Mudra represents the finest in Himalayan sacred art—a timeless expression of the Buddha's compassionate decision to share the path to awakening with all beings.
