Mahakasyapa and Ananda

CHINA; Sui dynasty

The two statues make a pair and stand on round pedestals. Mahakasyapa and Ananda were principal disciples of the Buddha and wear monastic robes cut in the field pattern. Shallow diagonal folds are incised across them and the under-robe appears below. Part of the patchwork effect is created by the remains of the original painting, in which black floral-patterned squares are outlined with a broad brown border. Mahakasyapa is portrayed as elderly with thick, knitted brows and tightly closed lips. The figure’s eyes are deep set and prominent creases frame the mouth. The palms are joined in anjali (reverence) mudra. Conventionally, Ananda is shown as younger. The head is erect on a long neck and the right arm is lifted, the left hand holds a vase.