Vintage Japanese Shaka Nyorai Gilt Wood Buddha Statue with Mandorla | 49 cm Shakyamuni Buddhist Sculpture

Introduction

A commanding vintage Japanese standing figure of Shaka Nyorai, Shakyamuni Buddha, presented upon a lotus pedestal before an imposing boat-shaped mandorla richly carved with scrolling foliage.

Standing approximately 49 cm tall, the sculpture possesses the architectural presence of traditional Japanese Buddhist altar imagery. The Buddha is modeled with a serene expression, tightly curled hair, elongated ears and elegantly descending monastic robes, while the aged gold-toned surface carries a beautifully subdued patina.

The composition is quiet yet monumental: an upright Buddha framed within a great pointed aureole, elevated above a lotus throne and octagonal pedestal.

Shaka Nyorai

Shaka Nyorai represents the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, whose teachings form the foundation of Buddhism.

Unlike richly jeweled bodhisattva figures, Shaka is traditionally represented with the restraint of a monk. Here, the simplicity of the robe, the curled hair and the absence of elaborate jewelry focus attention upon the Buddha's expression and gestures.

The right hand is raised with the palm facing outward in a gesture of reassurance and protection, while the lowered left hand conveys benevolence and generosity.

Together, they give the figure an immediately welcoming presence.

The Mandorla

One of the strongest elements of this sculpture is the large funagata kohai, or boat-shaped mandorla, rising behind the Buddha.

Its pointed silhouette frames the figure from lotus pedestal to crown, visually separating the enlightened figure from ordinary space.

Carved scrolling vegetation fills the outer field, while a concentric halo surrounds the Buddha's head.

Viewed from the side, the depth of the carving becomes especially apparent. The Buddha projects forward from the mandorla rather than appearing merely attached to a flat background, giving the composition considerable dimensional presence despite its slender overall profile.

Lotus Pedestal

The figure stands upon a deeply formed lotus throne.

The lotus has long served as one of the central visual symbols of Buddhist art, expressing purity and awakening. Beneath it, a carefully modeled support rises from an octagonal architectural base.

The pedestal is not simply structural. It completes the vertical composition, allowing the sculpture to rise through successive layers from base, to lotus, to Buddha, to halo.

The resulting silhouette is particularly elegant and beautifully suited to altar, tokonoma-inspired or collector display.

Aged Gilt Surface

The surface possesses a warm, muted gold character rather than a newly polished finish.

Areas of wear, darkened recesses and small losses reveal the history of the object and give the folds of the robe and carved mandorla added depth.

The contrast is especially effective across the face and hands, where the softly aged surface enhances the Buddha's quiet expression.

Rather than appearing overly restored, the sculpture retains the atmospheric quality collectors often seek in older Japanese Buddhist devotional art.

Sculpture and Craft

The figure shows several traditional characteristics of Japanese Buddhist sculpture:

Shaka Nyorai iconography with monastic robes and curled hair
Raised right hand and lowered left hand
Standing lotus throne composition
Funagata-style pointed mandorla
Carved scrolling decoration surrounding the central halo
Architectural octagonal pedestal
Aged gold-toned lacquer or gilt finish

The back of the mandorla has been left comparatively restrained, emphasizing that the object was conceived primarily for frontal devotional viewing.

Object Details

Subject: Shaka Nyorai / Shakyamuni Buddha
Origin: Japan
Object Type: Standing Buddhist devotional sculpture
Material: Carved wood with aged gilt and lacquer-type surface
Form: Standing Buddha with lotus throne, mandorla and pedestal
Mandorla: Pointed funagata-style aureole with scrolling relief decoration
Color: Aged gold, bronze-brown and dark patina
Dimensions: Approx. 49 cm H × 15 cm W × 17 cm D
Height in inches: Approx. 19.3 inches

Condition

The sculpture displays visible age-related wear consistent with an older devotional object.

The gilt-toned surface shows rubbing, darkening, small losses and areas of exposed underlying material. Minor cracks, abrasions, surface irregularities and evidence of long-term display may be present.

These characteristics contribute strongly to the sculpture's aged appearance and should be considered part of its individual history.

Please review all photographs carefully for the most complete representation of condition.

Display

At almost half a meter high, this is substantial enough to serve as a central object rather than a cabinet miniature.

It would work particularly well within:

a Buddhist or meditation space
a Japanese art collection
a tokonoma-inspired interior
a private study or library
a wabi-sabi or Japandi interior
an Asian religious-art collection
a curated display of Japanese sculpture

Its narrow footprint allows significant visual height without demanding a particularly large surface.

Purchase, Shipping and Vintage Policy

We carefully photograph and describe our vintage Japanese objects so that their individual character can be considered before purchase. Additional photographs and measurements are available upon request.

Some pieces have modest room for negotiation while others are offered close to a firm price. Respectful offers are welcome and considered individually.

Preparation, shipping and handling normally takes 5–10 business days or earlier. International shipping is available to supported destinations, with tracking provided after dispatch.

Vintage and previously owned objects are not factory-new goods. Age-related wear, patina, surface marks, lacquer loss, minor cracks and evidence of previous display may be present and form part of their individual history.

If you are looking for this type of Japanese Buddhist sculpture in another size or representation, please feel free to message us. Although availability cannot be guaranteed, we may be able to locate the same or a closely related piece through our sourcing network.

#ShakaNyorai #ShakyamuniBuddha #JapaneseBuddha #JapaneseBuddhistArt #BuddhaStatue #JapaneseStatue #JapaneseSculpture #BuddhistSculpture #GiltWoodBuddha #JapaneseWoodCarving #Mandorla #LotusPedestal #BuddhistAltar #JapaneseTempleArt #JapaneseDecor #ZenDecor #WabiSabiDecor #JapandiDecor #JapaneseVintage #AsianAntiques #BuddhistCollectible #SacredArt #MeditationDecor #ZenInterior #JapaneseArt #BuddhistArt #JapaneseCollectibles #SpiritualDecor #TempleStatue #BuddhaCollector #JapaneseHeritage #TraditionalJapaneseArt #Butsuzo #ShakaBuddha #VintageBuddha #JapaneseInterior

shaka nyorai, japanese buddha, buddha statue, gilt wood buddha, buddhist statue, japanese statue, shaka buddha, mandorla buddha, lotus pedestal, japanese decor, buddhist art, vintage japan, temple sculpture