Buddha Statue - Antique Laos Style Enlightenment Buddha Statue - 27cm/11"

Antique Laos Style Enlightenment Buddha Statue - 27cm/11"

Measures - (Height) 27cm/11"

An antique Laos style seated bronze enlightenment Buddha Shakyamuni. 

Laos, often referred to as the "Land of a Million Elephants," is a Southeast Asian country rich in history, culture, and spirituality. At the heart of its spiritual identity is Buddhism, which has profoundly shaped the daily lives, traditions, and art of the Laotian people.

The iconic image of the Laos Buddha stands as a testament to this enduring faith, embodying the serene essence of Buddhist teachings.

The depiction of the Buddha in Laos carries distinct features that set it apart from other representations across Asia. These characteristics are shown here:

• Elegant Simplicity: The Laos Buddha statues often emphasize simplicity and grace, reflecting the Theravāda tradition’s focus on inner purity and meditation.

• Bhumisparsha Hand Gesture (Mudras): A traditional mudras seen in Laotian statues is the "Bhumisparsha" (touching the earth) gesture, symbolizing the Buddha’s enlightenment.

• Distinct Facial Features: The Buddha statues in Laos often have serene and elongated facial features, with a tranquil expression meant to inspire calm and introspection. The ushnisha surmounted by a lotus flower bud. 

Here, the Buddha is seated, in virasana, cross-legged symbol of Serenity, with both hands in the Bhumisparsa or 'Calling Earth to Witness' mudra. With fingers slightly touching the ground this position represents the subduing of Mara (a demon) who bombarded Buddha with demons, monsters, violent storms and the three seductive daughters. Remaining steadfast the Buddha testified to his meritorious past by pointing to the earth and calling the Earth Goddess, Thorani.

Rising from the ground the Earth Goddess wrings the water from her long black hair. By this action she raises a torrential flood that drowns Mara and his army of demons. This gesture reflects this story symbolizing enlightenment, as well as steadfastness and Buddha's achievement of perfection or nirvana.

The Buddha is seated on a double lotus petal decorated pedestal. The lotus flower represents purity, compassion and the giving of great joy to all. 

The Buddha has a peaceful countenance with downcast introspective eyes and a firm brow. He has a large lotus flower shaped ushnisha protuberance on top of his head, symbolizing his high level of spiritual development. His earlobes are stretched long from a youth spent as a prince wearing heavy gold earrings.

The casting is beautiful as you can see in the fine details of the fingers and toes. Each detail is rendered perfectly. The distinctive patina of the piece is also particularly delightful.

This traditional in appearance piece is sure to bring serenity to your home, office or sacred space.

One of the most recognizable of the Asian deities this representation of the spiritual teacher Buddha is sure to enlighten your home with endlessly timeless style.

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