Antique GANDHARA BUDDHA Statute 6.5 Bronze Siddhartha Early Enlightenment Rare

ANTIQUE BRONZE GANDHARA BUDDHA STATUE. This listing features a Gandhara-style Buddha with the body, top knot, beard, and mustache of an adolescent Siddhartha. As a young prince, he would have worn his hair in this fashion, still living a royal and indulgent lifestyle, sheltered far from the world’s turmoil. This statue depicts an early stage in the future Buddha’s quest for Enlightenment. The Gandhara style is also recognizable by its taste for Greco-Roman idealism. Besides this Buddha’s beard and hairstyle, proud posture, more human than serene expression, and athletic torso differ greatly from the tight snail curls, crowns, and monastic robes of Chinese, Thai, or Japanese Buddhas. Gandhara art is believed to have originated in Pakistan and Afghanistan between the 1st and 7th centuries BC. I do not know the age of this statue, but it’s certainly not ancient and antique at the very least. It is bronze and measures 6 1/2 inches tall by 4 1/2 inches wide by 4 1/4 inches deep (at the padma base). It weighs 2 lbs, 3.5 oz. The padma represents a lotus flower with petals indicating the stage of enlightenment. The more petals, the more enlightened. It is beautifully sculpted with engraving underneath as well as to the overall figure above. This young Buddha’s body is only covered at the waist where 2 cloth ties are jutting out and over the padma. The hands are also interesting, posed in an untraditional version of the abhayamudra (a gesture of approachability). Research did not find any other statues like it. This Gandhara statue is in excellent condition and an outstanding example of the style, as well as being an uncommon depiction. For more about Gandhara symbolism, visit. Check out other uncommon items from three generations of our family as we downsize. There is still much to unpack and I list something new every day. OUR LISTINGS FEATURE ONLY WELL-CARED-FOR ITEMS THAT BELONGED TO US OR OUR FAMILIES. OCCASIONALLY, WE LIST ITEMS FOR OUR FRIENDS IF THEY’RE REALLY INTERESTING. WE RESPOND QUICKLY TO MESSAGES. NO QUESTION IS TOO SMALL & IS ALWAYS WORTH ASKING. YOU ARE ONLY CHARGED FOR ACTUAL PACKAGE WEIGHT, SIZE, DESTINATION, & ADDITIONAL POSTAL SERVICES. WE USE RECYCLED, CLEAN PACKING MATERIAL & BOXES WHENEVER POSSIBLE, AT OUR OWN EXPENSE. BUYERS MUST PAY WITHIN 5 DAYS OR THE SALE IS CANCELLED & THE ITEM RELISTED. THERE IS A RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF TIME SPENT TO PROVIDE YOU WITH AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE. OUR PHOTOS ARE NOT PROFESSIONAL BUT THEY ARE DETAILED AND NUMEROUS. PLEASE TAKE TIME TO EXAMINE EACH PHOTO CLOSELY & READ THE ENTIRE ITEM DESCRIPTION. CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR LISTINGS ARE WELCOME IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT. WE DO NOT SELL ITEMS ON APPROVAL. IF A RETURN IS NECESSARY, IT MUST BE PACKED WITH CARE USING THE SAME OR COMPARABLE MATERIALS. WE ARE BLESSED WITH TOO MANY BEAUTIFUL THINGS TO ENJOY IN ONE LIFETIME & LOVE SHARING THEM WITH NEW FRIENDS.