A Glimpse of the Antique 12th-Century Shakyamuni Buddha Statue

The above 12th-century Shakyamuni Buddha statue is a rare and extraordinary piece of ancient art that captures the deep spiritual and artistic traditions of the 12th century. With its detailed craftsmanship and meaningful symbolism, this statue signifies a strong connection to Buddhist philosophy, embodying the essence of enlightenment and tranquility. Meanwhile, a meticulously crafted replica of this statue at Termatree provides a special chance to appreciate the beauty and spiritual significance of a centuries-old masterpiece. Whether as a collector’s piece or a treasured artifact, this rare replica brings the enduring wisdom of the Shakyamuni Buddha into our lives today, inviting us to contemplate the rich cultural heritage that has been handed down through generations.

Art enthusiasts, historians, and devout practitioners alike have long marveled at the unique Tibetan brass sculpture of Shakyamuni Buddha present at the Met Museum. In response to this admiration, Termatree houses a replica statue faithfully capturing the essence of the original 12th-century masterpiece. This read explores the iconic features, historical background, and deeper symbolism of both sculptures.

Comparison of the 12th-Century Shakyamuni Statue and the Termatree Replica

While the original statue at The Met remains an irreplaceable cultural treasure, the Termatree sculpture stands as a bridge between antiquity and modern devotion. Below is a comparison table outlining key points:

The 12th-Century Tibetan Shakyamuni Buddha at The Met

A prime example of early Tibetan brass sculpture is housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 2012.458. This 12th-century statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is notable for its auspicious marks (lakshanas) of Buddhahood. But there are also further features that make this sculpture unique. They are:

1. Brass Casting with Colored Pigments:

Crafted from brass and enhanced with colored pigments, the statue would originally have featured subtle coloration in the hair, lips, or ornamental details, reflecting the Tibetan convention of pigment application even after the main metal casting was complete. However, the pigment seems to remain in the hair only in the current scenario.

2. Iconic Facial Features

• Ushnisha (Protuberance): The dome-like elevation on top of the Buddha’s head symbolizes his expanded spiritual wisdom.
• Flame-Like Depiction Above the Ushnisha: Remarkably rare in Tibetan and Indian Buddhist art, this flame motif references textual accounts describing the Buddha’s radiance or “aura of light” emanating from his crown.
• Urṇā: A small tuft or raised jewel between the eyebrows, representing divine insight.
• Elongated Earlobes: A sign of renunciation of material luxury (as the Buddha, once a prince, wore heavy earrings that stretched his earlobes).
• Subtle Smile: The gentle curve at the corners of the Buddha’s mouth suggests a tranquil compassion and an all-knowing awareness.
• Three Rings or Folds on the Neck: The three rings on Buddha's neck symbolize the Three Trainings in Buddhism: Conduct (Sīla), Concentration (Samādhi), and Wisdom (Prajñā).
• Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra: The Bhumisparsha Mudra shows the Buddha with his right hand touching the earth, symbolizing his plea for the earth to bear witness to his enlightenment.

3. Art Historical Context

Sculptures from 12th-century Tibet are frequently associated with artistic exchanges with the Pala Empire of ancient India. Tibetan artisans were inspired by Indian prototypes while gradually developing their unique style, resulting in the graceful proportions, softly modeled torsos, and balanced postures evident in this piece. Due to the statue’s rarity and exceptional craftsmanship, it provides insight into early Tibetan aesthetics and the significance of Sakyamuni Buddha in both monastic and lay devotion. 

Key Iconographic Highlights and Insights

There are many notable features, filled with symbolism, that provide a deeper insight into the spiritual essence of the Buddha sculpture mentioned above. Explore these artistic details and their profound meanings as each sets the stage for a richer appreciation of Buddhist iconography.

1. Rare Flame-Like Depiction Over the Ushnisha (Cranial Protuberance)

One of the most fascinating and seldom-observed aspects of this 12th-century Tibetan Shakyamuni Buddha statue is the flame-like projection atop the Tathagata's ushnisha. Although numerous scriptures refer to a radiance emanating from the Buddha’s head, visual depictions of this phenomenon are quite limited. Its inclusion highlights the Buddha’s cosmic luminosity and remarkable spiritual strength.

The unique flame-like representation above the ushnisha is a notable aspect of Thai Buddhist art. While Thai Buddhist art as a distinct style started to emerge in the 13th century, its roots can be traced back to the 12th century, particularly due to the influence of neighboring cultures. During this time, the region was significantly shaped by the Khmer Empire, which had strong connections to the art and iconography of both India and Southeast Asia. This era witnessed the spread of Mahayana Buddhism and its associated artistic elements, including the portrayal of the Buddha, which began to permeate what is now Thailand, especially through the impact of Khmer art.

This symbolic flame is typically depicted as a rising flame or a topknot-like shape above the Buddha’s head, underscoring his transcendence and spiritual brilliance. Although the ushnisha has ancient origins in Buddhist art, this flame-like depiction became especially significant in Thai representations, symbolizing the Buddha’s inner light and profound knowledge. It showcases the distinctive fusion of local artistic traditions with broader Buddhist symbolism, reflecting the creativity and spiritual richness of Thai Buddhist art.

2. The Urṇā

The urṇā is located between the Buddha’s eyebrows, which is one of the thirty-two marks. The 32 major marks of the Buddha refer to specific physical characteristics believed to define the Buddha's body. Typically represented by a raised curl or a small gem, it signifies Shakyamuni's deep insight: he perceives the true essence of reality. In sculptures, the urṇā can be subtly noticeable—merely a slight bump—or more prominent if adorned with precious stones.

3. Elongated Earlobes

Originally, Prince Siddhartha adorned himself with intricate earrings, symbolizing his royal lineage. After he chose to renounce his worldly life, he took off these ornaments, resulting in elongated earlobes that serve as a powerful reminder of his former life. Over the years, these elongated earlobes have come to represent the Bhagavan's profound compassion. In Tibetan Buddhism, the large, elegantly extended earlobes highlight his capacity to “hear” the suffering of all sentient beings.

4. Subtle Hint of a Smile

This Buddha’s lips curve in a barely perceptible smile, a detail that conveys a sense of profound inner peace, suggesting that the Buddha, in his awakened compassion, views all beings with limitless empathy and kindness. For practitioners of Vajrayana Buddhism, this calm, gentle expression resonates with the notion that enlightenment merges both serenity and compassionate engagement with the world.

5. Three Rings or folds on the Neck

According to the Sutra, there should be three lines, symbolizing the three trainings: Conduct (Sīla), Concentration (Samādhi), and Wisdom (Prajñā). These three qualities are essential to the Buddhist path and crucial for achieving Nirvana. The folds on the Buddha’s neck symbolize the harmonious integration of these key practices in his teachings.

6. Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra

The Bhumisparsha Mudra (earth-touching gesture), in which the Buddha touches the earth with his right hand, symbolizes his plea for the earth to bear witness to his enlightenment. This moment signifies his triumph over Mara, the demon of temptation, while he meditated under the Bodhi tree. This gesture embodies the Buddha's victory over illusion and his achievement of Nirvana.

The Termatree Replica: Bridging Past and Present

Recognizing the profound impact of this original piece, the dedicated team of Termatree has meticulously crafted a replica statue. This piece allows art lovers and spiritual practitioners alike to bring a slice of 12th-century Tibetan history into their environments.

Iconographic Fidelity

The replica preserves those key features crucial to authentic Tibetan depictions of Shakyamuni Buddha:

• The ushnisha with a flame-like top
• The urna between the brows
• The elongated earlobes 
• The serene smile
• Buddha making the Bhumisparsha Mudra

Given that such elements are historically precise and spiritually meaningful, Termatree ensured these iconic marks were integrated seamlessly into the casting.

Difference in Iconography

While our replica Shakyamuni upholds the true essence of the MET sculpture, one slight difference is the number of folds or rings on the Tathagata's neck. Unlike the original one which has three folds, the replica has only two. But there is a credible reason for that. Refer to the section below:

• Two Folds on the Neck

In contrast to Sutra, which showcased Shakyamuni with three folds or rings on the neck, Termatree's replica statue has two lines in adherence to Tantra. According to Tantra, there should be two folds on the neck of the Buddha as symbols of wisdom and compassion. They represent the Buddha's balanced qualities: his deep understanding of the nature of existence (wisdom or Prajna) and his boundless compassion (Karuna) for all beings. 

In Tantra, these two qualities are seen as interconnected and are thought to collaborate on the journey toward enlightenment. They are associated with the union of wisdom (symbolizing the feminine aspect) and compassion (symbolizing the masculine aspect), a common theme in tantric practices where these dual energies unite harmoniously to facilitate a transformation of consciousness.

Craftsmanship and Materials

• Bronze Casting: Termatree uses the traditional “lost-wax casting” technique, mirroring the ancient methods that Tibetan artisans employed centuries ago.

• Attention to Detail: From the shape of the ushnisha to the angle of the subtle smile, Termatree sculptors study high-resolution images and scholarly descriptions to ensure fidelity to the original.

• Optional Finishes: Some parts of the replica may include gilding, patination, or pigment application to replicate the statue’s historical appearance.