The life of the Buddha are of mythic proportions, although by many accounts he is considered to be an actual historical figure. Buddha was born into great wealth and because of a prophecy that claimed he could become a great spiritual leader, his father shielded him from suffering. During his 29th year he experienced a profound shift in his life and thereafter went in search of enlightenment. That is the short version. Either way, whichever story you hear, his image represents the quest for nirvana, which is the only permanent thing in Buddhism. Literally, the definition means "blowing out" or "becoming extinguished," the way a candle is blown out or a fire burns out. Of course it's more complicated than that but his image brings reverence in a world that repeats itself with suffering, hatred, aging, sickness and death.
I, for one, am attracted to the idea of seeking enlightenment and peace, another idea for heaven where desires and suffering go away.
This beautiful representation of Buddha is quite old, although I sadly have no details as to where it came from or how old it its. Never the less, it's old enough, handmade and not quite perfect, which is perfect enough.
