Hand Painted Shakyamuni Buddha Thangka Paintings

Explore our hand painted Shakyamuni Buddha thangka paintings, created by Nepali artists at our gallery in Boudha, Kathmandu. Each thangka shows Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, in the traditional style, painted with natural pigments and fine gold detail, and blessed by a monk before it ships. Many pieces come with a brocade mount. Not sure where to start? Read our guide to the Buddhas in Buddhism or learn how to choose the right Buddhist thangka. Need a different size or pose? We take custom thangka commissions.

Shakyamuni Buddha Thangka: Meaning and Styles

Shakyamuni Buddha, also called Buddha Shakyamuni, is the historical Buddha and the founder of Buddhism. A Shakyamuni thangka is one of the most traditional pieces to bring into a home, altar or meditation room, because it keeps his life and teachings in view every day.

Our collection includes the main forms of Shakyamuni in thangka art:

  • Earth-touching Buddha: seated on a lotus with his right hand touching the ground, the gesture of the moment of enlightenment.
  • Shakyamuni with disciples: shown with Shariputra on the left and Maudgalyayana on the right, his two chief disciples.
  • Shakyamuni with attendants: a fuller composition, well suited to larger altars and walls.
  • Brocade-mounted thangkas: finished with a brocade border, the traditional way to present a thangka.
  • Fine gold detailing: gold work on the robe, halo and lotus throne for a more radiant piece.

How to Choose a Shakyamuni Buddha Thangka

  • Size: our Shakyamuni thangkas range from small 9" x 12" pieces for shelves and desks to 26" x 34" pieces for feature walls.
  • Mounting: a brocade mount adds a traditional border and makes a thangka easier to display. See how to hang a thangka.
  • Detail: more figures and more gold work mean more days of painting, so the price rises with detail and size.
  • Purpose: altar, meditation room, gift or wall art. A simple single-figure piece suits a small altar, and a composition with disciples suits a larger space.

Authentic Hand Painted Thangkas, Blessed by a Monk

Every thangka here is hand painted by our artists using traditional techniques and natural pigments. None are printed. A monk blesses each piece before it leaves our gallery. To learn how to tell an original from a replica, read our guide to authentic vs replica thangkas.

Order a Shakyamuni Buddha Thangka Online

We ship from Kathmandu to the USA, Canada, Australia and worldwide. See our thangka shipping details before you order. Want a different size, pose or brocade? Request a custom thangka. Buying for a shop, studio or hotel? See our wholesale page.

FAQs for Hand Painted Shakyamuni Buddha Thangka Paintings

1. Is it called Shakyamuni Buddha or Buddha Shakyamuni?

Both are used. Shakyamuni Buddha is the more common form, and Buddha Shakyamuni is the traditional Tibetan order of the words.

2. Who is Shakyamuni Buddha?

Shakyamuni Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, is the historical Buddha and the founder of Buddhism.

3. Who are the two figures beside Shakyamuni Buddha in a thangka?

They are his two chief disciples. Shariputra is on the left and Maudgalyayana is on the right.

4. Are your Shakyamuni Buddha thangkas hand painted?

Yes. Our artists hand paint every thangka with traditional techniques and natural pigments, so the painting keeps its authenticity and sacred quality.

5. Is the thangka blessed?

Yes. A monk blesses each thangka before it ships.

6. What size Shakyamuni Buddha thangka should I buy?

Smaller sizes suit shelves, desks and small altars. Larger sizes suit living room walls and meditation rooms. Our [thangka size guide] explains how to measure your space.

7. How much does a Shakyamuni Buddha thangka cost?

The price depends on size, the amount of detail and gold work, and whether it has a brocade mount. Use the price filter on this page to see current options.

8. Do you ship worldwide, and can I order a custom thangka?

Yes to both. We ship to the USA, Canada, Australia and worldwide, and we paint custom sizes and compositions. Contact us with your request.

Explore Other Thangka Categories

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