Java: Vairocana Buddha

INDONESIA, Java

The statue was created during the Central Java period (circa 7th–13th century) and depicts a seated Vairocana Buddha. The figure is upon a double lotus throne in full lotus position, with the right hand in vitarka (teaching) mudra. The oval nimbus is hollow and despite being plain, the two openings behind the lotus throne indicate that there was once a mandorla behind the body. However, the statue is characterized by the simplicity of its execution, extending to the bare incisions to indicate eyebrows and the restrained hemline of the monastic robe that runs across the chest. There is scarcely a fold indicated on the robe apart from the slight ripple where it falls over the right ankle and left wrist and the pleats where the material is pulled forward over the left shoulder. The detailed treatment of the lotus throne makes an interesting contrast, with its overlapping petals and minutely depicted seed pod.