| Transcript |
- niches amidst clouds and small Buddha images. The decorative niches are called �arch of glory.� These are popular motifs in Tibet and Nepal, and usually consist of a garuda at the top holding two naginis (serpent goddesses), followed by two makaras (symbolizing the life-giving power of the waters), personages riding horned creatures and elephants.
Book cover (c) is simpler in detail than the other two. It has a scrolling border with two monster masks in the middle. The scene insidetheframe is of three Buddha figures separated by two large lotus roundels.
32 Printing Block late 19th/early 20th century wood, 7.6 x 34.1 cm Asian Art Purchase Fund
AGGV
This oblong printing block has a mantra carved with Tibetan characters in reverse. After the block was carved, it was oiled to strengthen the wood and prevent cracking. The printing of the text was usually done by two monks. One would rub ink on the block with a pad, the other would lay a sheet of paper on it and run a roller over the paper to get the impression.
33 Sakyamuni Buddhas
a) 12th/13th century brass with inlay, ht. 22.2 cm
Gift of Max Tanenbaum, Toronto, 1980 NGC 26698
b) 17th century brass, gilt, ht. 17.8 cm Brian S. McElney Collection
c) 18th century
plaster, brass, gilt, pigment, ht. 39.3 cm Harold and Vera Mortimer Lamb Bequest AGGV 77.254
These statues of Sakyamuni Buddha depict him in serene contemplation seated on a lotus throne with his right hand in the �calling earth to witness� mudra, signifying his enlightenment at Bodhgaya. The ex�tended ear lobes remind us that Sakyamuni was once a prince who wore heavy earrings before he renounced that life and became an ascetic. The ushnisha (protuberance on his head) signifies spiritual wisdom.
Statue (a) is an early depiction of Sakyamuni and shows him with unusually long ear lobes and a very high ushnisha.
Statue (b) has an inscription on the back of the base in both Sanskrit and Tibetan. The base is sealed with crossed vajras.
Statue (c) is interesting in that there appears to be a gilt brass statue within this statue, which has been encased by a thick layer of painted plaster. The statue also has a strong odour of yak butter.
34
Amoghasiddhi (left)
18th century
brass, gilt; ht. 12.7 cm
Brian S. McElney Collection
Depicted here is the Fifth Dhyani Buddha Amogha�siddhi, the Buddha of Infallible Magic. He is the symbol of the North and the colour associated with him is green. His right hand is raised with palm outwards, forming the gesture of argument (vitarka mudra).
Sakyamuni (centre)
19th century
brass, gilt, ht. 7.4 cm
AGGV
This small statue depicts the historical Buddha Sakyamuni, who can be identified by the mudra of his right hand, which displays the earth witness or bhumisparsa mudra.
Ratnasambhava (right)
18th century
brass, gilt, ht. 11.6 cm
Brian S. McElney Collection
Dhyani Buddha Ratnasambhava is seated on a multiple-layered lotus flower with legs in meditation pose. The right hand displays the charity mudra, the left hand rests in his lap. The hand palms and foot soles are marked by the �wheel of the law.� Despite its small size this statue has finely executed details of facial features and garment border.
35 Ratnasambhava
19th century
brass, copper, gilt, ht. 39 cm Gift of Mrs. Marie Schilder AGGV
This statue represents Ratnasambhava (the �jewel- born�), one of the five transcendental Buddhas of the Vajrayana pantheon, who is associated with the South and the colour yellow. He wears jewellery and is depicted seated with his legs closely locked. His right hand is stretched downwards in the charity (vara) mudra and the left hand rests in his lap.
36 Icon Group 14th/15th century brass, ht. 17.2 cm
Gift of Max Tanenbaum, Toronto, 1980 NGC 26707
This group includes six iconographic figures on lotus bases sharing a single aureole and nimbus. The top figure is Sakyamuni Buddha with the gesture of earth for witness. The figure below him appears to be a form of Manjusri (perhaps Kalamanjusri) kneeling on his left knee and brandishing a sword. He is flanked by two forms of Tara displaying the gift- bestowing gesture with the right hand. The bottom figures are Tsong Khapa with the gesture of teaching to the left and possibly King Songtsen Gampo to the right with the gesture of meditation.
38
|
|---|
