Front view of the beige standing monk statue, palms joined at the chest, bare feet below the robe

Palms Joined Monk Statue

Standing
$89.63
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Front view of the beige standing monk statue, palms joined at the chest, bare feet below the robe
  • Front view of the beige standing monk statue, palms joined at the chest, bare feet below the robe
  • Two unglazed ceramic novice monk statues, one upright and one bowing, on dark stone
  • Both novice monk statues held in two open hands to show their size
  • Close view of the joined palms and the bowed head on the two novice monk statues
  • Back view of both monk statues showing the fall of the unglazed robes and the height difference
  • Side view of the standing and bowing monk statues showing the matte sandy clay surface
  • Beige standing monk statue with palms joined beside a grey monk bowed from the waist
  • Grey bowing monk statue alone, head lowered, bare toes showing below the hem
Palms Joined Monk Statue

Palms Joined Monk Statue

$89.63
Style

Shipping: 7-10 Business Days 

30 Days Risk Free Return

100% Authentic & Handcrafted

It looks like praying. It is not.

合十, héshí, means ten joined. Both palms brought together until the ten fingers meet. Nothing is being asked for. The right hand is traditionally read as the Buddha's side and the left as your own, so bringing them together is the whole point of it, and the gesture is made on arriving somewhere rather than while wanting something. It is closer to a handshake than to a prayer.

The bowing one is doing something more specific. 問訊, wènxùn, is the bow made on entering a hall, and the word is the ordinary Chinese for asking after someone's health. You bend first, and the first thing said is about them. Nothing of yours gets mentioned until that is done. That is the entire content of the gesture, and it is why the figure is bent from the waist rather than kneeling. This is courtesy between people, not worship.

So the two of them are not two poses of the same statue. One greets and the other answers.

Standing is the beige one and the taller of the two at 19cm. Bowing is grey, and 16cm. If you are only buying one, the standing monk holds a room better by itself. The bowing one is the more interesting piece, but it is bowing to something, so it wants a companion, a Buddha, or a doorway in front of it.

For a place where people arrive. An entry console, a desk where you receive people, a tea table, a counter. The gesture is a greeting, so it does its work where there is somebody to greet.

Where to place it

Eye level or below, turned into the room rather than at a wall, since it is directed at whoever walks in. Give the bowing figure something to bow toward. Keep both out of direct sun, which fades unglazed clay over time, and dust with a dry cloth rather than anything wet.
Details
  • Material: Unglazed ceramic, matte with a fine sandy grain
  • Standing: Beige, 19 x 6 x 4.5cm / 7.5 x 2.4 x 1.8in
  • Bowing: Grey, 16cm / 6.3in high on a 6cm base
  • Gesture: 合十, palms joined. The grey figure adds the 問訊 bow
  • Intention: Calm and welcome
  • Included: One figurine, the style you select. The pair shown is two orders
  • Note: Hand finished, so colour and height vary a little between pieces
  • Care: Dry cloth only. Keep out of direct sun
Taking Care
Size & Packaging

Each statue is hand-measured and may vary slightly—approximately 1-2cm difference is normal. We pack every piece with care in secure, protective packaging to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.
Shipping

Orders are typically processed and shipped within 1-2 business days, and estimated shipping times are below:

  • US: 7 to 10 Business days
  • UK: 7 to 10 Business days
  • CA: 7 to 10 Business days
  • AU: 7 to 10 Business days
  • EU: 7 to 10 Business days
  • Rest of world: 7 to 15 Business days

You will receive shipping confirmation emails with your tracking number once your parcel has been shipped.
Where To Use It?

All of our statues are handcrafted to bring mindfulness and peace into your home. Display each piece in a space where it resonates with you—a shelf, entryway, desk or meditation corner, and let it become a focal point for calm and reflection.

Meticulously Handcrafted

Each statue and figurine is handcrafted with meticulous care. Our artisans pour passion into every detail, creating pieces that bring spiritual beauty and craftsmanship into your home.

A Story in Every Piece

Every figure here means something. The laughing Buddha stands for contentment, the guardian lions watch a doorway, and the novice monk is the beginner still learning. We share the story behind each piece and where it traditionally belongs, so it arrives as more than decoration.

Arrives Safe, or We Make It Right

Every statue is wrapped and boxed to travel. If yours arrives damaged, send us a photo within 7 days of delivery and we will replace it or refund you. Not right for your space? Return it within 30 days.

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Frequently asked questions

What if my statue arrives damaged?

Send us a photo within 7 days of delivery and we will replace it or refund you. Every piece is wrapped and boxed in protective packaging before it leaves us.
How big is it?

Check the Specifications on this page for measurements in centimetres and inches. Most of our statues are desk and shelf sized, between 10 and 20 cm tall. Each one is finished by hand, so allow 1 to 2 cm of variation.
Will the colour match the photos?

Closely, but not exactly. Clay and stone are natural materials and every statue is finished by hand, so tone and texture vary a little from piece to piece.
Can I keep it outdoors?

We recommend indoors. Unglazed clay can fade in direct sun, and sandstone is porous, so rain and soil will mark it. If you do place one outside, choose a sheltered spot away from sun and rain.
How do I clean it?

Dust it with a soft dry cloth or brush. Avoid soap and soaking, which unglazed clay absorbs. Glazed pieces can be wiped with a damp cloth.