1stbuddha Journal
Research, iconography and sacred places
Research-based guides for collectors, ranging from Buddhist symbolism and sculpture to temples and Hindu iconography.
Tara Statue Meaning: Green Tara, White Tara & Iconography
Identify Tara through posture, hands and attributes. A guide to Green and White Tara, the seven eyes, historical standing forms and examining antique sculpture.
Read the articleTopics
Browse by subject
Each topic is its own collection of articles. Start with the topic that is closest to the object you own or are considering. Explore our Buddhist Art articles for materials and sculpture, and Tibetan Thangka Research for painting, iconography and authenticity.
- Buddha and BuddhismMudras, symbolism and the historical Buddha.
- Art and sculpturesMaterials, styles and how sacred images are made.
- Buddhist sitesTemples, stupas, and pilgrimage sites throughout Asia.
- Hinduism and iconographyShiva, Hanuman and the visual language of Hindu art.
- Research and authenticityDating, materials, and how to recognize authentic antiques.
Latest articles
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Ladakh Buddha Statues: Iconography and Regional Style
Read Buddha statues from Ladakh and the western Himalayas through hand gestures, attributes, regional style and examination of the individual object. -
Sakya Nairātmyā Thangka – Kha’u-pa/Tsar Lamdré, Before 1748
Reassessed Tibetan Nairātmyā lineage thangka: Sakya, first half of the 18th century, before 1748. The inscription identifies the Kha’u-pa / Tsar (Tsharpa) Lamdré transmission; researched by Christian Luczanits... -
Five Dhyani Buddhas: Meaning, Symbolism and the Features of Each Dhyani Buddha
This blog explores the Five Dhyani Buddhas, also known as the Five Tathagatas: celestial Buddhas who represent the five qualities of the Buddha. It explains their origins in... -
Deities of Buddhism: Who Are the Gods and Goddesses of Buddhism?
Understand Buddhist deities through their roles, attributes and iconography, with links to focused guides on Tara and Buddhist hand gestures. -
Dharmachakra Buddhist Symbol: Meaning and History of the Dharma Wheel
The Dharma wheel, or Dharmachakra, is one of the oldest and most sacred symbols in Buddhism and represents the Buddha's teachings, which he "set in motion" when he...
Research guides
In-depth guides for collectors
- The Anatomy of the Buddha: A Forensic Guide for the CollectorSpectral, internal, and microscopic evidence: how a bronze is examined before being attributed.Read the guide
- Mudras and symbolism: a guide for collectorsThe gestures, attributes, and seats that reveal who a figure is and where it was made.Read the guide
From the gallery
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Burmese Wooden Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra, Red Lacquer and Gold Leaf, Mandalay Style, c. 1920–1950, 50.5 cm
€695,00 -
Seated Bronze Buddha in Vitarka Mudra on Lotus Base – 29 cm, Brown Patina
€245,00 -
Seated Bronze Buddha in Gandhara Style with Halo, Thailand, Early 20th Century – 56 cm
€1.650,00 -
Standing Wooden Buddha with Braided Cord Decoration – Indonesia, 101 cm
€189,00
