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Bodhisattva

菩薩

700s
(618-907)
dry lacquer
Overall: 44 x 37 cm (17 5/16 x 14 9/16 in.)
Given in memory of Howard Parmelee Eells Jr. by his wife, Adele Chisholm Eells 1983.86
Location: 241C Chinese Buddhist Sculptures
Public Domain
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Did You Know?

While lacquer is tough and impervious to insects, it is less durable than wooden or stone sculptures, so this is a rare surviving Tang example.

Description

The bodhisattva, an enlightened being dedicated to the spiritual awakening of all beings, is shown sitting in a relaxed pose, the eyes half-closed in an expression of profound meditation. The statue is modeled in a sensuous manner.

It is made using the dry lacquer technique whereby a clay core is first constructed and then overlaid with fabrics saturated with lacquer. Once the lacquer layers are set, the core is removed. This kind of hollow dry lacquer statue is lightweight and easy to carry.

The piece once suffered from severe surface retouching that distorted its original beauty. The museum's conservation work has removed coats of overpainting and over-restoration, revealing the true appearance of the glossy black lacquered surface with traces of cut-gold decoration and pigments.
Bodhisattva

Bodhisattva

700s

China, Tang dynasty (618-907)

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