Todaiji Temple: Bodhisattva in Contemplation
Gilt bronze
Todaiji Temple: Bodhisattva in Contemplation
JAPAN, Nara; Nara period
According to temple records, this figure was the personal statue of Emperor Shomu (reigned 724–749) before it was transferred to Todaiji Temple. The figure was called Cintamanicakra Avalokitesvara, but the exact representation is uncertain. The work is listed as an Important Cultural Property.
The statue was cast as a single piece, to which the right arm ornaments and stole were attached later. Beneath the floral crown, the facial features are delineated with single undulating lines accentuated by shadows. The Bodhisattva sits contemplatively in the relaxation posture with the overhanging foot supported on a lotus and his cheek resting lightly on the right hand. A stole descends buoyantly on either side of the full skirt.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Sculpture St-Z, page 1214.
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 St-Z},
pages = 1214,
title = {{Todaiji Temple: Bodhisattva in Contemplation}},
volume = 13,
year = {2016}}