The Saffron Buddha was created using the proportions of Tibetan sacred geometry. It reflects Sax Berlin's studies in icon painting from his beginning in Kathmandu in the early 1970's and 20 years of experience in their portrayal. It is possible to look into this image and see reflections of the images found in the Ajanta caves in India. Berlin is faithful to the iconography but gives this work his unique inspiration. Comments from leading exponents of the genre eloquently express the impact of the work; the President of the Asia Society wrote that his "work is beautiful" and Prof. Bernard Faure of the Asia Studies Department at Columbia University wrote that his "icons really do have a life of their own".

Sax Berlin is creating the Great 108 Collection of representations of Buddha. The number 108 has sacred meaning for followers of the Buddhist faith. For example there are 108 beads on a Buddhist Mala (rosary) and there are apparently 108 temptations to be avoided, in Japan a temple bell or gong will ring 108 times to welcome the new year.

Pristine condition. 30" x 18"
Hand ground pigments on canvas