Large Kathmandu Valley Buddhist Shrine

A large carved wood altar or house shrine with clay overlay, consisting of a box shrine featuring a large statue of Shakyamuni, or Gautama Buddha in Bhumisparsha mudra, with Garuda and Chepu the demon killer in protective poses overhead, plus attendant buddhas and other deities. Three sconces at the front are for holding oil and butter offerings.

Bhumisparsha mudra means 'touching the earth' and symbolises the moment when Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and was elevated to the status of Buddha. By touching the earth he was calling the earth goddess, Sthavara, to bear witness to the momentous event.

This Buddhist shrine is early 20th or 19th century, from the Kathmandu Valley, and features vermillion puja colour used for devotional homage.

• Elaborate Buddha Shrine from the Kathmandu Valley
• Vintage and well used, features puja offerings
• Wood with clay overlay

Measurements: 44 cm (17.25") height without flap, 60 cm (23.5") with flap extended, widest depth with flap extended 40 cm (16"), width 31 cm (12"), depth of shrine body without flap extension 32 cm (12.5")