zavk wrote:Nice altar, Retro.
I've been meaning to get a Buddha rupa. Where did you get yours?
Metta,
zavk
Keep an eye on the Theosophical Bookshop in Russell Street, Melbourne. They sometimes have quite acceptableThai-style rupas that don't have the mass production or garden gnome look. I picked up a 30cm bronze(?) statue for about $120 about 18 months ago. The Theosophical Bookshop also has no shortage of a number of Tibetan-style rupas, but they are small and very expensive - probably due to the gold paint. They're not my cup of tea. Another place to go is some of the Asian antique shops at the Kew end of Victoria Street. I found a painted solid alabaster Mandalay-style rupa - it would have been about 50-60cm in height. It was incredibly beautiful and exactly what I was looking for. However the price at around $2,000 - I could have financed a trip to Burma and returned with one (if not more).
If you are ever driving to Bendigo, apparently there is a Buddha shop on the way in Malmsbury. My wife brought home a beautiful wooden thai rupa that is painted black with some gold highlights from there.
No doubt you'll see my small collection when you come down here to interrogate me!
Cheers
Ben