Story of the Golden Hand of Buddha

Name: Healing Hand
Edition of: 15
Collected by: 1994 - The National Palace Museum, Beijing, China
                      1996 - The Tsui Museum of Art, Hong Kong, China
Exhibitions:    1993 - The National Palace Museum, Beijing, China
                      1994 - International Transparent Art Exhibition, Venice, Italy

From the beginning, artist Loretta Hui-Shan Yang found herself drawn to sculpting Buddhist hands. Once after completing the forearm of her sculpture, she suddenly felt a loss of inspiration.  Yang laid the incomplete clay form on the table in front of her Tamshui workshop window and forgot about it.  Some time passed until one day at dusk, she happened to see a curious tree branch like shadows cast on the ground - they were the "fingers" of her Buddha.  This image gave Yang a jolt: could this be the Bodhi Tree under which Buddha found enlightenment?  This is the story of how the sculpture came to life.

The Medicine Buddha sits within the palm of Buddha, cast in a golden light, the image of peace and calm. The form and teachings of Buddha, delicate fingers outstretched, illuminated, emanating from within the joy and birth of transparency.  Taking an original artistic stance, Golden Hand of Buddha breaks free from its traditional confines.  It is obvious that the detail and accuracy applied to the sculpture and the lost-wax casting technique is in a league of its own.

The Golden Hand of Buddha set the standard for Asian Buddhist art at the 1994 International Transparent Art Exhibition in Venice.  Established for a mere seven years, Loretta Hui-Shan Yang gained the attention and respect from top Liuli critics and artists alike.

The Golden Hand of Buddha has been displayed at LIULI CHINA Museum since 2006 as its most prized possession.