Gilded Bronze Statue of Buddhas from Northern China
This object is a gilded bronze statue of Śākyamuni and Prabhutāratna and is estimated to be dated from either the Northern Wei, c. 472 or Sui, c. 609, or could also be dated to c. 518, there is some debate as to when this statue was made.
This gilded bronze statue is particularly interesting was the representations of Śākyamuni and Prabhutāratna were significant Buddhist artistic imagery throughout the earlier centuries of the Silk Road in China.
Symmetrical Buddhas found in Northern China
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These two figures depicted in the statue are seated on the Lotus Sutra, which is also an important factor of this statue. The Lotus Sutra, in accordance with Chinese Buddhism proclaims, “universal Buddhahood,” indicating that all individuals, regardless of capacity, can attain enlightenment.
The choice of the material of gilded bronze is an interesting feature within this statue; it references the importance of trading ideas and material along the Silk Road. 1
The use of gilded bronze blended Chinese techniques with nomadic and foreign artistic styles which spanned from the Han, Tang and Xixia dynasties.
This object which represents Śākyamuni and Prabhutāratna is particularly important within Chinese historical relevance to Buddhism as each of these figures held significant meaning.2
Emaciated Buddhas
Specifically, within this artwork it is unique that these two figures are seated next to each other, symmetrically which can allude to the meaning of unification of the historical Buddha with the ancient past.
Why this matters: Another key factor within this sculpture is the depiction of the figures, as they were considered to be Chinese ideas of Buddha and they are emaciated, whereas most depictions of Buddha seen on a wider scale tend to be healthier rather than emaciated.
In consideration of how other Buddhist imagery is represented, it could be considered that the imagery of Śākyamuni and Prabhutāratna within this artwork could be relating to the idea of death, or the circle of life.
Sociétédes Amis Du Musée Cernuschi States
A guilded bronze from the Musée Guimet (Paris) shows them seated symmetrically, as if in great discussion.
The idea of the circle of life is an important one when discussing Buddhism.
This object from Northern China which depicts Śākyamuni and Prabhutāratna, is a very interesting style from the material used, the placement of the figures right hand which seems to represent “abhayu murda” which would gesture approachability, the emaciated depiction of Śākyamuni and Prabhutāratna, as well as the muted images on the bottom of the seated statue.
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It’s unclear what exactly the muted images are on the bottom of the bench that the two figures are seated on, it appears to be a mirrored image of a certain animal and possibly a seated figure of Maitreya, which tends to be prominent within Buddhist imagery.
his art styles and statue is a very interesting find from Northern China.