Magnificent carved stone sculpture with remnants of polychrome depicting Buddha Sakyamuni. The standing figure, upright and stylized, with an elegant and fluid silhouette, is possibly in the Abhaya Mudra posture, which symbolizes protection and is associated with peace and blessings. He wears a robe whose incised folds in low relief fall softly, with movement, and adapt delicately to the curves of the body. The polished finish on the front and back demonstrates the extraordinary quality of the piece. The serene expression of the face, very well defined, with closed eyelids or half-open eyes, stands out, reflecting a state of deep meditation and inner peace, typical of Buddhist representations.
Carved probably in limestone, widely used in Buddhist sculptures of the Tang Dynasty due to its softness and ease of sculpting fine details, such as the spirals of curly hair, of which our piece is a fantastic example.
The presence of polychrome remains in green, blue, and red tones indicates that the figure was originally painted with vibrant colors to give life and realism to the image, a common practice in Chinese Buddhist art. In periods such as the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) or even earlier, during the Wei Dynasty (386-534 AD), it was common to paint stone statues with bright colors to symbolize the divinity and spiritual beauty of Buddha.
Polychrome stone Buddha statues were common in Buddhist temples and caves, such as those at Longmen or Yungang, where they were carved directly into the rock and painted. This figure, being freestanding and smaller in scale, may have been created for a private altar or a small temple, or even as part of a series of devotional sculptures.
The stylized form of the body, with an elegant and fluid silhouette, and the robe that falls in soft folds, are characteristics that are rooted in the artistic style of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), a period of great splendor for Buddhist art, with influences from Central Asia and a focus on serenity and detail.
This extraordinary piece not only represents Buddha Shakyamuni, the central figure and founder of Buddhism, but also acts as a focal point for meditation and prayer. In Chinese Buddhism, contemplating images of Buddha helps cultivate compassion, wisdom, and concentration. Beyond its religious function, this piece in a home or temple could have been a symbol of devotion, but also of cultural refinement. It is a combination of aesthetics, spirituality, and cultural symbolism.
Buddha Sakyamuni, historically born in 463 BC as Siddhartha Gautama, is also known as Buddha Gautama. The term Sakyamuni refers to his origin, as he was born in the tribal kingdom of Shakya, in southern Nepal, into a clan that offered him a comfortable life of luxury, which he renounced to find answers to the suffering within himself. Therefore, we can translate Buddha Shakyamuni as the sage of the Shakya clan.
In short, Shakyamuni Buddha is the title given to Siddhartha Gautama after he attained enlightenment, highlighting his wisdom and his origin in the Shakya clan. He is the central figure of Buddhism and known for his teachings on the path to nirvana.
Statue on a black, patinated metal base.
Conservation status: Magnificent. It shows remnants of polychrome, mainly visible in areas of the folds and hair. Small earthy accumulations and calcareous deposits. Superficial erosion, with smoothed areas, typical of limestone, which is porous and soft. Excellent patina with a variety of shades.
"Personality, warmth, and timeless elegance with unique polychromatism"
SHAKYAMUNI BUDHA CARVED STONE TANG DYNASTY
China (618-907)
SHAKYAMUNI BUDHA CARVED STONE TANG DYNASTY
China (618-907)
SHAKYAMUNI BUDHA CARVED STONE TANG DYNASTY
China (618-907)
SHAKYAMUNI BUDHA CARVED STONE TANG DYNASTY
China (618-907)
