Indian Buddha Statue - Antique Gandhara Style Bronze Meditation Buddha Statue - 70cm/28"

Indian Buddha Statue - Antique Gandhara Style Bronze Meditation Buddha Statue - 70cm/28"

Measures – (Height) 70cm/28”

An antique Gandhara-style Buddha seated in the lotus (padmasana) position, with each foot resting on the opposite thigh and the hands in the meditation mudra. The prominent ushnisha, or cranial protuberance, atop his head signifies an advanced level of spiritual development and is characteristic of the Gandhara style. His expression is peaceful and introspective, with downcast eyes and a calm, steady brow, while the elongated earlobes recall his youth as a prince adorned with heavy gold earrings.

The Buddha sits on a richly decorated pedestal, his hands forming the dhyana mudra, or meditation gesture, which evokes deep contemplation, inner stillness, and unity with higher truth. His robes cascade fluidly from both shoulders in elegant folds that enhance the sculpture’s sense of grace and poise. On his forehead, a subtle third eye, or urna, symbolises the Buddha’s ability to see beyond the mundane world of suffering into the deeper reality of enlightenment.

Beneath him, the lotus pedestal reinforces the central theme of awakening. The lotus flower, rising pure and beautiful from muddy waters, represents the attainment of enlightenment and the fulfilment that follows spiritual practice. Widely used across Eastern traditions, it appears as both a sacred seat and a symbolic motif, reminding us that by releasing attachment to the material world and cultivating inner spirituality, we, too, can realise true happiness.

The casting is especially refined, with finely articulated fingers and toes and crisp detailing throughout. A distinctive, matured patina adds depth, character, and a strong sense of age. Traditional in appearance and rich in symbolism, this Gandhara-style Buddha is an ideal piece to bring serenity, spiritual resonance, and timeless style to any home, office, or sacred space.

Key Features

• Large Gandhara‑style Meditation Buddha – A substantial antique‑style Buddha inspired by the influential Buddhist art of ancient Gandhara.

• Impressive statement height – Measures 70cm / 28" high, making it a powerful focal point for a home, office, meditation room, gallery setting or dedicated shrine.

• Full lotus posture – The Buddha sits in padmasana, with each foot resting on the opposite thigh, expressing stability, disciplined stillness and spiritual balance.

• Dhyana meditation mudra – Both hands rest in the lap in the traditional gesture of meditation, representing concentration, inward awareness and tranquillity.

• Gandharan robe treatment – Fluid, layered drapery falls from both shoulders in elegant folds, reflecting the classical naturalism associated with Gandharan Buddhist art.

• Sacred Buddha attributes – Prominent ushnisha, elongated earlobes and forehead urna identify the awakened Buddha and symbolise wisdom, renunciation and spiritual insight.

• Lotus pedestal – The richly decorated lotus base represents purity, awakening and the possibility of spiritual growth amid worldly conditions.

• Fine detailed casting – Delicate fingers, toes, facial modelling and robe folds are rendered with exceptional crispness.

• Characterful aged patina – A matured surface enhances the visual depth of the sculpture and gives it a strong sense of history and presence.

• Serene focal point – An ideal Buddha for cultivating calm, reflection and timeless spiritual style in a substantial interior setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Gandhara?
A: Gandhara was an ancient cultural region centred in parts of present‑day Pakistan and Afghanistan. It became one of the most important centres of Buddhist art, especially under the Kushan period, blending Indian Buddhist ideas with artistic influences from the wider Hellenistic, Roman, Central Asian and Persian worlds.

Q: What makes a Buddha “Gandhara‑style”?
A: Gandharan Buddha images are particularly known for naturalistic facial modelling, flowing drapery with deep folds, idealised facial features and a strong sense of bodily presence. The robes are often compared with Greco‑Roman togas because of their layered, carefully modelled folds.

Q: What does the full lotus position mean?
A: The lotus posture, or padmasana, is a stable seated position in which each foot rests on the opposite thigh. In Buddhist imagery it symbolises composure, centredness and the disciplined stillness associated with meditation and awakening.

Q: What is the Dhyana mudra?
A: The Dhyana mudra is the traditional gesture of meditation. Both hands rest in the lap with palms facing upward, generally with the right hand placed over the left. It represents gathered attention, deep concentration and balanced inner awareness.

Q: What do the touching thumbs symbolise?
A: In many Dhyana mudra images, the thumbs meet lightly to form a subtle oval or triangle. This can symbolise balance, concentration and the unity of wisdom and compassion; some traditions also associate the triangle with the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

Q: Why is this Buddha especially suitable for meditation?
A: The combination of the full lotus posture, Dhyana mudra, downcast eyes and calm expression makes this a classic image of contemplative practice. Its iconography encourages the viewer to slow down, steady the mind and return to a state of quiet attention.

Q: What is the ushnisha on the Buddha’s head?
A: The ushnisha is the raised cranial form at the top of the Buddha’s head. It is one of the traditional marks of Buddhahood and signifies exceptional wisdom, spiritual attainment and awakened understanding.

Q: What is the mark on the Buddha’s forehead?
A: The small circular mark is the urna, one of the auspicious marks of a Buddha. It symbolises heightened perception, the eye of wisdom and the ability to see beyond ordinary appearances into deeper spiritual reality.

Q: Why does the Buddha have long earlobes?
A: The elongated earlobes refer to the Buddha’s youth as Prince Siddhartha, when he wore heavy earrings and other royal jewellery. In Buddhist imagery, they became a symbol of renunciation: material wealth is set aside in favour of wisdom, compassion and liberation.

Q: What does the lotus pedestal represent?
A: The lotus rises clean and beautiful from muddy water. It therefore represents purity, compassion and enlightenment—the idea that wisdom and awakening can emerge even in the midst of difficult or imperfect worldly conditions.

Q: Why are the Buddha’s robes so deeply folded?
A: The flowing folds are characteristic of Gandharan artistic influence, where Buddhist artists developed a naturalistic treatment of the monastic robe. The detailed drapery gives the figure visual depth and rhythm while emphasising the calm, upright stability of the meditating Buddha.

Q: What does the Buddha’s downcast gaze mean?
A: The lowered eyes express inward focus, compassion and meditative stillness. The gaze is neither withdrawn from the world nor caught in distraction; it suggests a balanced awareness that sees clearly and responds with calm.

Q: Is this a representation of a particular Buddha?
A: The iconography is consistent with a Meditation Buddha, often understood as Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, in a contemplative aspect. However, the Dhyana mudra is used across different Buddhist traditions and may appear with more than one enlightened figure, so the full visual context is always important.

Q: Is this suitable for a home altar or meditation room?
A: Yes. At 70cm / 28" high, this is a significant focal piece for a meditation room, yoga studio, therapy space, reception area, library or home altar. The scale and stillness of the form make it especially suitable for spaces designed for reflection.

Q: Is it appropriate for non‑Buddhists to display this Buddha?
A: Yes. Many people of different backgrounds appreciate Buddha images as symbols of peace, mindfulness, ethical wisdom and compassion. The sculpture should be displayed respectfully—on a clean, stable and elevated surface, rather than directly on the floor or in a cluttered environment.

Q: Where should I place a Buddha of this size?
A: A sturdy console, low pedestal, large shelf, altar or gallery‑style niche would work well. Leave sufficient space around the figure to appreciate the complete lotus base, robe folds and silhouette, and ensure the surface can safely carry its weight.

Q: Can I place offerings near the Buddha?
A: Yes. Fresh flowers, a bowl of water, incense, a candle or LED tealight can create a respectful meditation setting. Keep these items lower than the Buddha and avoid allowing smoke, wax, water or heat to come into direct contact with the sculpture.

Q: How should I care for the aged surface?
A: Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth or natural‑bristle brush, paying careful attention to the fingers, robe folds, hair curls and lotus details. Avoid metal polish, abrasive pads, chemical cleaners and water immersion, as these can damage or alter the matured patina.

Q: Can it be displayed outdoors?
A: Indoor display is recommended. Rain, frost, intense sun, airborne pollution and fluctuating humidity can alter an aged surface and may accelerate deterioration over time.

Q: Who would especially appreciate this piece?
A: This substantial Gandhara‑style Meditation Buddha will appeal to collectors of Asian and Buddhist art, meditators, yoga practitioners, therapists, interior designers and anyone seeking an elegant, deeply calming image of wisdom, stillness and spiritual awakening.

SATISFACTION GUARANTEE - We have been offering SE Asian Art for many years and are proud of the reputation we have developed for fair and honest listings. However, if for any reason, whatsoever, you are unhappy with your purchase please just let us know and we will provide a full refund. We want you to be 100% happy with your purchase.