Antique Sandstone Buddhist Bust. This particular Buddhist representation is believed to be Rahula one of the 18 Luohan. The Luohan are the disciples of the Buddha, Arhats.
Rahula is understood to be the Chensai Luohan or Thinking Luohan. Always in thought Pondering and meditating, understanding it all. He is above this world and free from conventions. He also represents compassion conveyed up to the Ninth Heaven. Rahula was one of the Buddha's 10 favorite disciples, and was well-known for his meditative power. It is believed that he could become omnipotent and omniscient during meditation. When deep in thought, he was ruminating wisdom and action. I very specail Folk Art Buddhist representation not often seen or depicted. Beautiful carved and sculpted with soft details, serene and divine, a rare find. The Head is free floating on the stand which allows the viewer to turn the bust on angles directly on the stand achieving some captivating poses to the left or right sides. A wonderful art piece.