The Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha: 24K Gold Gilded
Termatree is delighted to present this week’s featured statue: the Shakyamuni Buddha. Chosen for its exceptional craftsmanship and profound iconographic significance, this statue beautifully reflects the artistic and spiritual heritage of Himalayan Buddhist sculpture. Carefully handcrafted by skilled Nepali artisans, the piece embodies a harmonious balance of refined artistry and sacred symbolism, making it not only a remarkable work of devotion but also a meaningful representation of the enlightened teacher whose life and teachings gave rise to Buddhism.
Iconograp![]()
hy of this Shakyamuni Buddha Statue:
Bhumisparsha Mudra (Right Hand)
The right hand of Shakyamuni Buddha is depicted in the Bhumisparsha Mudra, the “earth-touching gesture.” With his fingers extended toward the ground, the Buddha calls the earth to witness the moment of his enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree. This mudra symbolizes the triumph of wisdom and unwavering resolve over illusion and inner obstacles.
Golden Body
The statue’s golden color represents the enlightened qualities of the Buddha—purity, wisdom, and spiritual perfection. In Buddhist art, the radiant golden form signifies the transcendental nature of enlightenment and the luminous clarity of awakened awareness.
Padmasana o![]()
n a Lotus Base
The Buddha is seated in Padmasana, the lotus posture, upon a beautifully formed lotus base. The lotus symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening, rising unstained from muddy waters. In the same way, the Buddha’s enlightenment represents the ability to transcend worldly suffering and attain ultimate wisdom.
Radiant Halo with Floral Carvings and Makara Faces
Behind the Buddha’s head appears a radiant halo, symbolizing spiritual illumination and the boundless wisdom of an awakened being. The halo visually conveys the sacred presence and enlightened energy that surrounds the Buddha.
The statue features magnificent floral carvings that reflect the richness of Himalayan artistic traditions and the flourishing nature of awakened wisdom. Along the edges are two makara faces—mythical guardian creatures often found in sacred architecture and ritual art. These powerful forms symbolize protection and the safeguarding of the Dharma.
Crystal Ushnisha
At the crown of the head rises the ushnisha, here crafted from crystal. In Buddhist iconography, the ushnisha represents the Buddha’s supreme wisdom and expanded spiritual awareness. The use of crystal enhances this symbolism, evoking clarity, purity, and the luminous nature of enlightened knowledge.
Serene Meditative Expression
The calm and profound meditative expression of Shakyamuni Buddha reflects the inner stillness and realization attained through enlightenment. The gently lowered eyes and tranquil facial features convey deep contemplation, compassion, and the balanced mind that arises from complete awakening. This expression invites viewers to reflect on peace, mindfulness, and the path toward wisdom.
Material and Craftsmanship:
This statue is made from a finely cast copper body and richly 24K gold gilded, giving the figure its radiant golden appearance that reflects the traditional aesthetic of Himalayan Buddhist sculpture. The surface is further enriched with hand-carved gemstones that are carefully set by artisans, adding depth and sacred ornamentation to the piece. At the crown, the crystal ushnisha introduces a luminous focal point that symbolizes clarity and awakened wisdom, while subtle acrylic paintings are applied to refine facial features and ornamental details, bringing life and expression to the sculpture.
The statue is produced using the traditional lost-wax casting method, a centuries-old metalworking technique preserved by master artisans of the Himalayan region. In this process, the entire sculpture is first modeled in wax, allowing intricate details to be carefully shaped before the mold is created. The wax model is then encased in layers of clay and heated so the wax melts away, leaving a cavity into which molten copper is poured. Once the metal cools and the mold is removed, the raw casting is meticulously refined by hand.
After casting, artisans dedicate extensive time to chiseling delicate patterns, carving ornamental elements, and refining the figure’s form to achieve precise iconographic proportions. The sculpture is then gilded with 24K gold, gemstones are individually set, and final painted details are applied with great care. This multi-stage process requires patience, technical mastery, and deep familiarity with sacred artistic traditions, resulting in a statue that reflects both exceptional craftsmanship and the enduring heritage of Himalayan Buddhist artistry.
