Reclining Shakyamuni Buddha (Parinirvana)
Monumental outdoor sculpture on a stone plinth • Contemporary Buddhist workshop; likely commissioned for a specific Vietnamese or East Asian Buddhist temple/monastery grounds.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Buddhist Art; Neo-Gandharan/Mahayana influence, characterized by rhythmic, flowing drapery and serene, classical facial features.
Medium & Technique
Carved white granite or marble; techniques include high-relief carving for drapery and precise sanding/polishing for the skin-surface finish.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 15–20 feet in length; monumental horizontal landscape format.
Subject Description
The sculpture depicts the Buddha (Shakyamuni) entering Parinirvana (the final passing into Nirvana). He lies on his right side, head resting on his hand/pillow, eyes closed in peace. The tiered folds of the robe symbolize spiritual transcendence and the peaceful nature of death in Buddhist philosophy.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The stone shows signs of outdoor exposure and mild atmospheric soiling but remains structurally sound.
Estimated Market Value
$50,000 - $120,000 (replacement value for a commissioned stone work of this scale)
Auction Estimate
$20,000 - $45,000 (highly dependent on removal logistics and regional demand for monumental religious art)
Provenance History
Likely a permanent installation at a Buddhist monastery or public spiritual garden; the inscription 'SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA' on the incense burner suggests a Western or multi-cultural context.
Art Historical Significance
Serves as a focal point for meditation and veneration (puja). It follows the iconography established in ancient sites like Ajanta or Gal Vihara, adapting these traditions for contemporary religious practice.
Notable Features
Includes a matching ritual incense burner (ding/burner) in front with Latin script; the pillow features decorative scrolling; the base is adorned with a carved lotus relief border.
Condition Issues
Visible moisture staining on the plinth; biological growth (algae/lichen) starting in crevices; surface weathering typical for outdoor granite/marble.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle biocidal cleaning to remove organic growth; sealing with a breathable stone penetrant; regular inspection of the plinth's structural joints.