“Chill Buddha Head on Filigree Background” Painting, Red and Gold – Acrylic on Canvas (50x60 cm)

The Buddha’s head in artwork radiates feelings of warmth, happiness, composure, serenity, wisdom and compassion, and can help inspire us into deeper, concentrated meditative practice and introspection. This stylized Buddha head painting is unique in its end-to-end wash of beautifully-detailed red twirls and coils, inspired by fine filigree leaves and flowers, over a metallic gold background. This fun design, reminiscent of wallpaper, psychedelic art and graffiti murals, will liven up any wall and adds a funky fresh take to this timeless depiction of the Buddha in meditation.

In Buddhist art and tradition, the Buddha head is one of the most popular iconographic representations. The head represents a wealth of knowledge and wisdom, an ability to disconnect mind from body (achieve Bodhisattva state), as well as all the other characteristics of greatness the Buddha possesses, which are intended to serve as inspiration for all of humanity to follow. Each aspect of his head further encodes specific symbolism and meaning. The ushnisha - or crown of coiled curls circling a protruding oval atop his head - symbolizes his spiritual power, expanded wisdom, knowledge and evolved ideals. The urna - the 3rd eye mark on the forehead - symbolizes his all-seeing inner vision and capacity to see beyond the mundane world of suffering to find (and walk) the path to Enlightenment. His ears are large with elongated earlobes symbolizing both his renunciation of material wealth (having been a Prince who once wore heavy jewelry) and his attainment of spiritual wealth in his ability to hear and ease the sounds of the world’s suffering with compassion. He is shown with short, curly hair (rather than with long hair or the shaved head of a monk) to symbolize Buddha’s choosing the middle path between indulgence and asceticism.

Each colour used in Buddhist artwork also carries significance. This painting is red and gold with the outline of the Buddha head in black. Gold symbolizes the Sun or fire and, in its relation to yellow, wealth, beauty and stability. Red is a Fire element colour that symbolizes vitality, dignity, compassion, and the transformation of attachment into discernment. Black represents the overcoming of hate and anger with clarity and truth, the transformation of evil into good, and is associated with the Air element. The palette and essence captured here is perfect for adding a spiritual vibe to a modern home, office or any space used for meditation, yoga and other mindfulness practices, or as a unique addition to any religious/spiritual artwork collection. It is also a favourite design among kids and teens for their bedroom.

Canvas comes stretched and framed, ready to hang.

Origin: Bali
Material: Acrylic on Canvas
Size:50 cm x 60 cm