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Traditional rules for making buddha images
Many old texts describe the Buddha appearance and include lists of distinguishing characteristics, however these traditions vary from country to country and have been interpreted differently over time so there is no universally accepted standard for the Buddha appearance. Some of the characteristics found on nearly every Buddha image are:
- All the fingers and toes are of the same extended length
- Long aquiline nose
- Elongated ears (from wearing jewelry as a young prince)
- Protuberance in the top of the head (symbolizing great mental power and the soul’s loose attachment to the body)
- Broad shoulders
In practice, craftsmen often copy the forms of famous temple images rather than designing new correct images. The craftsmen’s skill is reflected in fine details and materials rather than originality of the design.
The traditional belief in Southeast Asia is that a Buddha image should be made from the best possible materials. For the small wooden statues kept in homes, the best materials are rich tropical hardwoods:
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