The enlightened collectors' guide to Buddha statues

Recently I was browsing a large local antiques fair when a collection of older Buddha statues caught my eye.

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“This one is from the Gandhāra period,” said the dealer, reffering to the Buddhist culture of ancient Gandhāra – a hotspot of Buddhism in the Indian subcontinent from the 3rd century BC to approximately AD. I am going to give the dealer the benefit of the doubt and assume he meant to say in the ‘Gandhara’ style, as if the statue really was from that period, I suspect it would be worth a lot more than the £80 or so he was asking for it. “It was ripped out of a temple,” he added in passing.

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This got me thinking. Buddha statues are very attractive and collectible, so how do you avoid getting ripped off in the event that you do meet an unscrupulous dealer? And what are the rules regarding export from old sacred sites?

The first big tip is to have at least a working knowledge of the various periods in Buddhist art. Although the historical Buddha lived and taught around the border of modern day Nepal and India, many of the great works of Buddhist art come from much further afield – for example China, Japan, the historical region of Tibet and South East Asia.

One of the greatest earliest exponents of Buddhism in India, the Emperor Ashoka, encouraged missionaries to travel to Central Asia, where it spread rapidly along the Silk Road and other trade routes into China, and eventually into Korea and Japan. Indeed, early Chinese translations of Buddhist texts were key to ensuring their survival into the present day. Missionaries and trading also spread the Buddhist teaching, or ‘dharma,’ into Southeast Asia.

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This is a massive subject and way beyond the scope of this blog, but there are some great online resources and books which can quickly get you up to speed. One of my favourite books is Buddhist Art and Architecture by Robert E Fisher – you can pick up used copies for around £5 or new for £15 and it’s a great primer. Meanwhile Himalayan Art Resources also comes in useful when it comes to ascertaining the value and provenance of Buddha statues from that part of the world (along with paintings and tapestries).

What about more practical tips to avoid getting sold a fake? In an interesting blog on the Christie’s website, Asian art specialist Tristan Bruck has some useful tips.

He strongly recommends trying to handle the actual statue, rather than relying on photos, and although this might be a bit trickier at antiques fairs owing to Covid-19, most dealers will allow you to pick the item up so long as they can then sanitise it. Handling it will also reveal things that don’t look right. As Bruck notes, forgers often work from a front-on photograph of the genuine article, which means they have to figure it out as they go along when it comes to the decoration around the back and on the base. Maybe the folds of a robe fold strangely, or jewellery sits in an awkward way. Or maybe the back and base just look a bit rough and unfinished. Drapery generally is hard for a forger to pull-off properly, along with the Buddha’s hands – so if anything looks a bit crude, that is a warning sign (or at very the least that the statue is poorly made and potentially overpriced).

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As with any antique, condition is also really important, and a statue with a well-documented provenance will always be worth more than one with no documentation at all. So what about my potential dealers off-hand claim that the statue he was selling had been “ripped off a temple?” Is that ethical? Various conventions and legal procedures exist to combat the trade of illicit antiquities. As well as abiding by the rules of such conventions, dealers should also take care. Buying antiquities from a reputable source, such as a dealer who is a member of an antiquity trade association, is necessary and will provide security and trust. See here for a useful overview of the various international agreements.

Of course, much of the above will apply mainly to higher-priced Buddhist statues. Many readers will be happy paying under £100 or so if the statue is attractive and will look good around the house, without worrying too much about provenance. And while it is important to avoid supporting any trade in artefacts which have been ripped from their original venues, you can’t always be sure of the full story – particularly as older buildings are often not so well protected in the developing world as they are in the west. Do let us know if you have found any interesting old Buddhist statues during your antique hunts.

Purchasing a Buddha statue is a meaningful decision, whether you're looking to enhance your home’s spiritual ambiance, create a dedicated meditation space, or simply appreciate the beauty and serenity that Buddha statues embody.

A well-chosen Buddha statue can serve as a powerful symbol of peace, mindfulness, and spiritual growth.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of buying a Buddha statue, and focus on where you can source high-quality, serene, and beautiful Buddha statues.

Understanding the Significance of Buddha Statues

Before diving into the buying process, it’s important to understand what a Buddha statue represents and why it holds such significance.

• Symbol of Enlightenment: Buddha statues symbolize the spiritual journey toward enlightenment, embodying the qualities of peace, wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness. The various postures and hand gestures (mudras) of Buddha statues each convey different aspects of Buddhist teachings.

• Enhancing Your Space: A Buddha statue can transform any space into a peaceful sanctuary, whether it’s a home, garden, or meditation room. The presence of a Buddha statue can help promote calmness, reflection, and inner peace.

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• Personal and Spiritual Connection: For many, owning a Buddha statue is more than just a decorative choice; it’s a personal and spiritual connection to the teachings of Buddhism and a reminder to live mindfully and compassionately.

Enlightenment Buddha

Steps to Buying the Perfect Buddha Statue

1. Determine Your Purpose

   The first step in buying a Buddha statue is to consider why you want one. Are you looking to enhance your meditation practice, create a serene environment in your home, or make a spiritual statement in your garden? Understanding your purpose will help you choose the right type of Buddha statue.

   • Meditation Focus: If your primary goal is to support your meditation practice, consider a statue of the Meditation Buddha (in the lotus position with hands in the dhyana mudra).
   • Home Décor: For home decoration, you might opt for a Buddha statue that complements your interior design, such as a standing or reclining Buddha.
   • Garden Serenity: Outdoor spaces often benefit from larger statues that can withstand the elements, like a Buddha in the earth-touching or teaching pose.

2. Choose the Right Style and Pose

   Buddha statues come in various styles and poses, each with its own symbolism. Familiarizing yourself with these can help you choose a statue that resonates with you.

   • Meditation (Dhyana Mudra): This is one of the most common poses, with the Buddha seated in a lotus position, symbolizing deep meditation and focus.
   • Earth-Touching (Bhumisparsha Mudra): This pose represents the moment of Buddha’s enlightenment, with one hand touching the earth. It’s a powerful symbol of determination and spiritual victory.
   • Teaching (Dharmachakra Mudra): Depicted with the Buddha’s hands forming a wheel-like gesture, this pose represents the Buddha’s first sermon and the teaching of the Dharma.
   • Reclining Buddha: Symbolizing the Buddha’s transition into Nirvana, this pose is a reminder of the impermanence of life and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation.

3. Consider the Size and Material

   The size and material of the Buddha statue are important factors depending on where you plan to place it.

   • Size: Smaller statues are ideal for personal altars, meditation rooms, or tabletops, while larger statues can make a statement in gardens or large living spaces.
   • Material: Buddha statues can be made from various materials including bronze, wood and stone. Each material has its own aesthetic and energy. For example, bronze statues have a timeless and classic look, while wooden statues offer warmth and a natural feel.

4. Finding Quality Buddha Statues at HDAsianArt.com

   When it comes to purchasing a Buddha statue, quality and craftsmanship are paramount. HDAsianArt.com is a trusted source for high-quality, beautiful, and serene Buddha statues. Here’s why HDAsianArt.com stands out:

   • Diverse Collection: HDAsianArt.com offers a wide range of Buddha statues in various poses, sizes, and materials. Whether you’re looking for a small, intricate statue for your meditation space or a larger piece for your garden, you’ll find an array of options to suit your needs.
   • Quality: The site focuses on quality and aesthetic appeal, providing statues that not only look beautiful and offer serenity but also resonate spiritually.
   • Customer Reviews: HDAsianArt.com has garnered positive reviews from customers who appreciate the quality, beauty, and authenticity of the products. Reading these reviews can give you confidence in your purchase.
   • Ease of Purchase: The website is user-friendly, with clear images and descriptions of each statue, making it easy to find and purchase the perfect piece for your home or meditation space.

5. Placement and Care

   Once you’ve purchased your Buddha statue, consider where and how to place it in your space to maximize its spiritual and aesthetic benefits.

   • Respectful Placement: Place your Buddha statue at a height above your eyes when sitting, as a sign of respect. Avoid placing it directly on the ground or in places where it might be treated casually, such as next to trash bins or shoes.
   • Orientation: Traditionally, Buddha statues are placed facing east, the direction of enlightenment. However, you can also place it in a location that feels right for you and your space.
   • Care and Maintenance: Depending on the material of your statue, regular dusting and occasional cleaning may be necessary. If placed outdoors, ensure the material can withstand weather conditions, or bring it inside during harsh weather.

6. Connecting with Your Buddha Statue

   The final step in incorporating a Buddha statue into your space is to build a connection with it. This can be done through simple daily rituals.

   • Mindful Moments: Spend a few minutes each day sitting quietly in front of your Buddha statue, focusing on your breath and allowing the presence of the statue to guide you into a state of calm and mindfulness.
   • Offerings: In many cultures, it’s common to make offerings to the Buddha statue, such as flowers, incense, or water. This act of devotion can help you feel more connected to the statue and what it represents.

Wood Buddha

Conclusion

Purchasing a Buddha statue is a personal and meaningful decision that can greatly enhance your spiritual and home environment. By considering factors such as the statue’s purpose, style, size, and material, and by choosing a reputable source like HDAsianArt.com, you can find a statue that resonates with you and serves as a lasting symbol of peace, mindfulness, and enlightenment.

Remember, the Buddha statue is more than just a decorative piece—it’s a reminder of your spiritual journey and the peace that lies within.

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