Master-Carved Rainbow Obsidian Buddha

Important: This piece is offered as a confirmed-availability purchase. Please use the Contact link at the bottom of this page prior to completing checkout so we may confirm availability and coordinate delivery.

Master-Carved Rainbow Obsidian Buddha with Custom Hand-Carved Sandalwood Stand

This extraordinary Buddha sculpture is carved from true, high-grade Rainbow Obsidian, a volcanic glass revered not only for its visual drama but for the quiet sophistication it brings to an interior. At first glance, the piece presents as a deep, polished black—elegant, architectural, and grounding. Under directional light, however, the surface awakens, revealing a spectrum of luminous purple, blue and shades of green…a gorgeous iridescent glow across the carving’s form.

This phenomenon is what distinguishes genuine Rainbow Obsidian from ordinary black obsidian. The color does not come from surface treatment or pigment. Instead, it is created by microscopic layers of mineral inclusions and gas bubbles formed during rapid volcanic cooling. When light enters the stone at specific angles, it refracts through these layers, producing prismatic color. Many Rainbow Obsidian pieces show only a single hue—often green or purple. This sculpture is exceptionally rare in that it displays multiple colors across a broad surface area, a hallmark of extremely high-grade material and expert selection by the carver.

A Sculpture for Refined Interiors

Carved by a master sculptor, this Buddha possesses a remarkable sense of presence—calm, substantial, and deeply intentional. The proportions are balanced and powerful, with a joyful, serene expression that feels neither ornamental nor overstated. This is not a decorative object; it is a statement sculpture, equally suited to:

• A curated entryway or foyer
• A contemplative living space or library
• A private office or executive suite
• A meditation or wellness room designed with restraint and intention

What distinguishes this carving at the highest level is its extraordinary attention to sacred detail.

The Buddha’s hands gently hold a finely articulated strand of mala beads (traditional Buddhist prayer beads), rendered with exceptional precision. Each bead is individually carved and proportioned, a feat that requires not only technical mastery but profound patience and control. In Buddhist tradition, mala beads symbolize mindfulness, continuity of practice, and the rhythmic flow of awareness.

Equally striking is the treatment of the robe. Rather than appearing static or rigid, the garment moves with natural rhythm, its folds cascading with a sense of motion that feels almost fluid. The sculptor has achieved the rare ability to suggest softness and flow in a material as unforgiving as obsidian. This dynamic drapery elevates the piece beyond form and into expression, signaling the pinnacle of stone-carving mastery.

The reverse of the sculpture reveals another significant and intentional detail: a circular disc positioned behind the Buddha’s head, known in Buddhist iconography as a halo or nimbus. This element represents spiritual illumination, awakened consciousness, and the radiance of enlightenment. Subtly integrated rather than overtly emphasized, it adds symbolic depth and visual balance to the piece, rewarding close viewing from all angles and reinforcing the sculpture’s fully realized, three-dimensional design.

The sculpture’s visual duality—appearing deep black under ambient light and radiant under focused illumination—makes it particularly compelling in thoughtfully designed interiors where lighting is treated as an architectural element rather than a utility.

Custom Sandalwood Stand

The accompanying hand-carved sandalwood stand was made specifically to seat and support this Buddha and is included as part of the presentation. It is carved from solid sandalwood and finished to a smooth, polished surface with detailed motifs and flowing elements.

The stand is highly polished and smooth with visible lines and separations in the wood reflecting the natural characteristics of the material.

The Buddha may be displayed with or without this stand, according to the owner’s preference, and is fully suitable for placement on an alternative base or surface should a different aesthetic or material be desired.

Details

• Material: High-grade Rainbow Obsidian
• Carving: Master sculptor; attribution provided to purchaser for insurance and documentation
• Buddha dimensions: 11 1/4” x 10” x 8 1/2”
• Weight (carving alone): 30.8 lbs
• Stand material: Hand-carved sandalwood
• Stand weight: 13 lbs
• Overall height with stand: 16.5”
• Condition: Museum-quality, one-of-a-kind

Delivery & Availability

This piece includes white-glove delivery, ensuring safe handling and placement within your space.

To confirm availability, discuss placement considerations, or coordinate delivery logistics, please use the Contact link at the bottom of this page. We are happy to work directly with collectors, interior designers, and design firms to ensure this sculpture is placed exactly where it belongs.