Horyuji Temple: Life of the Buddha - Birth of Prince Siddhartha

JAPAN, Nara, Ikoma; Asuka period

The small figures were treasures presented to the imperial court by Horyuji Temple. Stylistic features date them from the mid-7th century. These figures, used during the Buddha bathing ceremony, are unique, and were listed as Important Cultural Properties in 1965.
Queen Maya, measuring 16.5 cm, has her hair tied in a double topknot and right hand held high, as if grasping the branch of a tree. The upper body of Siddhartha emerges from the wide sleeve of the queen’s garment. Siddhartha’s head leans to one side, and the figure’s palms are joined in anjali (reverence) mudra. The queen bends forward and clenches shut the cuff of the left sleeve with the left hand.
The attendant figures measure 11.5 cm to 13 cm high. They have an attitude of reverence while their clothing floats behind them, giving the appearance of heavenly beings on their way to attend Siddhartha’s birth.