Showing  1 - 4 of 4 Records

Showing  1 - 4 of 4 Records
Disciple Standing
  • Title Translation: 弟子
  • Period: Northern Qi, 589-618 C.E.
  • Project: Xiangtangshan Caves
  • Work Description: Expressing serene dignity, these youthful monks stand erect, their eyes downcast and hands firmly joined in reverent prayer. Their long earlobes allude to earrings that were worn by the Buddha as a young Indian prince and to his rejection of material wealth. Characteristic of Sui dynasty sculpture, the monks’ sharply defined facial features and the folds of their robes enhance the figures’ flat, understated modeling. Each of their robes was originally painted with rectangles of different colors, signifying the patchwork mantle worn by the Buddha and by pious monks who emulated his humble values. Only shadowy traces of these pigments are now evident.

Monk Kneeling
  • Title Translation: 跪僧侣
  • Period: Northern Qi, 550-577 C.E.
  • Project: Xiangtangshan Caves
  • Work Description: The North Xiangtangshan Grottoes are located in the Fengfeng mining district of Handan city, Hebei province. These caves are major Northern Qi dynasty caves that are thought to have been commissioned by imperial order. The South Cave of the grottoes was begun in 568, and the main surface and its two flanking walls are carved with large niches. This image is one of a pair of seated Buddhist priest figures carved in relief on either side of a large censer in the platform area of one of the side walls. The figure hunches over, with its mouth tightly closed as it holds something with both hands, exuding a particularly tranquil demeanor.

Pratyekabuddha Head
  • Title Translation: 辟支佛(缘觉)头
  • Period: Northern Qi, c. 580 C.E.
  • Project: Xiangtangshan Caves

Disciple Standing
  • Title Translation: 弟子
  • Period: Northern Qi, 589-618 C.E.
  • Project: Xiangtangshan Caves
  • Work Description: Expressing serene dignity, these youthful monks stand erect, their eyes downcast and hands firmly joined in reverent prayer. Their long earlobes allude to earrings that were worn by the Buddha as a young Indian prince and to his rejection of material wealth. Characteristic of Sui dynasty sculpture, the monks’ sharply defined facial features and the folds of their robes enhance the figures’ flat, understated modeling. Each of their robes was originally painted with rectangles of different colors, signifying the patchwork mantle worn by the Buddha and by pious monks who emulated his humble values. Only shadowy traces of these pigments are now evident.