Buddha Statue - Antique Chinese Style Seated Bronze Enlightenment Buddha - 16cm/6"

Buddha Statue - Antique Chinese Style Seated Bronze Enlightenment Buddha - 16cm/6"

Measures (Height) 16cm/6"

An antique Chinese style seated enlightenment Buddha  in the Bhumisparsa or 'Calling Earth to Witness' mudra.

The Enlightenment Buddha, also known as the Buddha in the moment of enlightenment or the Earth-touching Buddha, is a profound and revered image in Buddhism. This depiction captures a pivotal moment in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, as he achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Enlightenment Buddha serves as a powerful symbol of the Buddha's awakening and the universal potential for spiritual realization.

The Buddha's face is serene, with a naturalistic and warm expression; his head is topped by a lotus flower ushnisha. This symbolizes his high level of spiritual development The bodies profile is with broad shoulders and slender waist, covered by a Sanghati robe worn diagonally over the left shoulder. The right shoulder is left bare.

The Buddha features an oval face, with almond shaped downcast eyes. Curved eyebrows meet above a prominent nose, and contoured lips with an exalted expression, appear smiling. His earlobes are stretched long from a youth spent as a prince wearing heavy gold earrings.

The Buddha is seated in the Bhumisparsa or 'Calling the 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.

Buddha holds a vajra in his right hand. The Vajra is a legendary and ritualistic weapon, symbolizing the properties of a diamond (indestructibility) and a thunderbolt (irresistible force).

The vajra is a type of club with a ribbed spherical head. The ribs meet in a ball-shaped top. It is used symbolically by the dharmic traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, often to represent firmness of spirit and spiritual power. 

The use of the vajra as a symbolic and ritual tool is mainly found in Tantric Buddhism. 

Buddha is seated upon a double lotus flower pedestal. The lotus flower represents the attaining of enlightenment and the ultimate fulfilment that follows. This symbol is heavily used in Eastern religions, which is why it can appear as both a held item or a seat. Some say that as the lotus flower grows in dirty water but becomes something beautiful, it demonstrates how we must forget our attachments to the material world around us and focus on our inner spirituality in order to seek happiness.

A delightful and rare piece with wonderful malachite and azurite patina. 

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.