This is a very rare green serpentine marble head of a Bodhisattva. The deity is
depicted wearing a huge crown, which still shows traces of red and yellowish paint.
Although the torso of the sculpture is missing we can postulate that it is originally in
standing form, derived from its facial expression and downcast eyes.
The extensively decorated crown depicts three Buddhas and five halos, possibly
indicating the temporal and spatial tri-Buddhas, positioning the present Buddha
Shakyamuni (Vairocana) at the centre. Hints of red suggests previous gilding of
ferrous mineral paint. It is a showcase of splendid craftsmanship, which achieves
a sense of three-dimensional perspective through intelligent carving, emphasizing
the differences between background and foreground.
For more information please click the image above. To see
additional artifacts from the Sui Dynasty please click HERE
| 
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.