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Subject:Re: Old or new buddha?
Posted By: Gman Wed, Nov 05, 2014
This is an interesting piece, what is strange about it is the golden robe, and the position, which is not any of the traditional postures in which the Buddha is depicted.
From Wikipedia:
The Buddha is always represented with certain physical attributes, and in specified dress and specified poses. Each pose, and particularly the position and gestures of the Buddha's hands, has a defined meaning which is familiar to Buddhists.
The Buddha may be depicted in one of four postures:
Sitting: If seated, the Buddha may be shown in one of three different positions
In the "heroic posture" (vīrāsana), with the legs folded over each other.
In the "adamantine posture" (vajrāsana; also known as "lotus position"), with the legs crossed so that the soles of both feet are turned up.
In the position of a person sitting in a chair (pralambanāsana).
Standing: If standing, the Buddha may be shown either with his feet together, or with one foot forward.
Walking.
Reclining: The reclining posture may represent the Buddha resting or sleeping, but more usually represents the mahāparinabbāna: the Buddha's final state of enlightenment before his death.
The Buddha is nearly always depicted wearing a monastic robe, of the type worn by Buddhist monks today. The robe may be shown as worn in the "covering mode" (draped over both shoulders) or in the "open mode" (leaving the right shoulder and breast uncovered).
The robe is a representation of the Buddha's humility. (Gautama was originally a prince, who renounced the world to seek enlightenment, and his original robe was made from the shroud of a corpse.)
The robe is sometimes shown as diaphanous, transparent or billowing mysteriously, suggesting the spiritual power emanating from the Buddha.
Buddha images are often draped with real robes, which are renewed periodically, usually at major festivals. The Buddha may also be shown wearing royal attire, but this is uncommon.
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Perhaps the non-standard position and mode of dress will be the keys to your discovery of the background of this statue.
In the photo of the back of the statue, at the bottom center, there appears to be something there which is not part of the decorations of the robe. Is this a set of marks?
Can you get a clear photo of the area? I would also go over the statue for any other marks which may not be obvious, and take a photo of the bottom as well.
Cheers
Gman
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