New Work 2016
This is a hand carved woodblock of Buddha Shakyamuni. Shakyamuni Buddha is the historical Buddha. He is shown with his right hand extending downward in the “calling the earth to witness” mudra. At the time of his enlightenment he is said to have touched his hand to the ground and called the earth to witness.
Shakyamuni wears Nirmanakaya robes- without adornment. These are the robes still worn by Tibetan Buddhist monks today. He holds a begging bowl taking what is offered. He taught the middle way between indulgence and renunciation. His philosophy is the path of loving-kindness. I show him here attended by a stag and peacock.
Mokuhanga is the traditional Japanese style of woodblock prints. The blocks are printed onto Japanese Kozo or mulberry paper by hand rubbing with a barren. The inks used are sumie and watercolor inks. Mokuhanga is a labor-intensive old school printmaking practice.
To purchase, please visit my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FaithStoneArt?ref=hdr_shop_menu