Jokhang Temple Central Hall Sakyamuni Shrine: Sakyamuni Buddha
Copper alloy
Jokhang Temple Central Hall Sakyamuni Shrine: Sakyamuni Buddha
CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa
The statue is reputed to reproduce the exact size and appearance of Sakyamuni Buddha at the age of twelve. It was said to be brought to Lhasa from China by Princess Wencheng when she married Songtsan Gampo (reigned 617–650) and originally enshrined in the Ramoche Temple. It was moved to the Jokhang by Princess Jincheng when she married Me Agtsom (reigned 704–755).
The statue is enthroned in a magnificently decorated structure with mythical creatures in the interior and dragons coiled around the columns outside. A large crown is on the Buddha’s head with side pendants that fall below the shoulders. This crown and the golden cape are inlaid with pearls, agate and jade, and were presented by Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug school. Offering bowls and butter lamps are in the foreground.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Sculpture G-M, page 506.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Lovelock, Yann and Chou, Yuan and Huntington, Susan and Edson, Gary and Neather, Robert,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Sculpture G-M},
pages = 506,
title = {{Jokhang Temple Central Hall Sakyamuni Shrine: Sakyamuni Buddha}},
volume = 11,
year = {2016}}