A COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF BUDDHA VAJRASANA


NORTHEASTERN INDIA, PALA PERIOD, 11TH CENTURYHimalayan Art Resources item no.61623 12.5 cm (5 in.) high
|印度東北部 帕拉時期 十一世紀 釋迦牟尼銅坐像 Most important of the Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Northeastern India is the location of Shakyamuni's enlightenment at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya. Here, it is believed a descendant of the bodhi tree, which Shakyamuni sat under, still stands. His enshrined seat at the Mahabodhi Temple, known as the vajrasana ('vajra seat'), is referenced in this bronze's small vajra placed on top of the lotus pedestal. Unlike many other Buddha images, these 'Buddha Vajrasana' emphasize Shakyamuni's historicity. Recalling a specific spiritual achievement associated with a specific site, its mnemonic vajra no doubt promoted pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya as well. The handsome bronze is a quintessential example of the Pala style with full and rounded features. Compare with another of the same subject preserved in Tibet (von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, Hong Kong, 2001, p.1160, fig.307B). The treatment of his face and hair is shared by the central figure of a lotus Mandala, published in Art Sacré du Tibet: Collection Alain Bordier, Paris, 2013, p.74, no.21. Muslim invasions in the 13th century leveled these pilgrimage sites and related monasteries. But, by then they had attracted many international pilgrims who brought teachings and sculptures back with them. The Pala style subsequently had a profound impact on the Buddhist art of Asia. Pala sculpture formed one of the two branches that most strongly influenced early Tibetan sculpture. Examples, like the present, that survive unexcavated and covered with cold gold were preserved in Tibet, where they were regarded as having a special religiosity for being from Shakyamuni's native land, and served as models for future sculptures.ProvenanceAcquired from Shirley Day, 1997