Vairocana Buddha

INDIA

Vairocana’s elaborate crown with its three circular crests is in Kashmiri style. Ribbons hang down from the sides to frame a face whose features have been worn smooth. An openwork nimbus in the shape of a petal and with a flaming surround frames the head. Other adornments include a pair of earrings, neck collar and bracelets. The body is slightly inclined to the one side but still stands firmly, with left foot advanced, on the reversed lotus pedestal. The upper torso is quite short, with broad shoulders and narrow waist. It contrasts strongly with the long legs which show through the thin robes. The right hand is in abhaya (fearlessness) mudra while the left grasps a corner of the upper robe. A capelet with a deep-cut neckline is worn over the robe and may show the influence of the earlier empires that controlled the area. Crowned statues wearing this style of clothing were popular in Kashmir by the 7th century.