Antique Wood and Lacquered Buddha as an Infant, China (3198CSK)

Description

Antique-Chinese-wood-carving images of the Shakyamuni-Buddha, especially, those portrayed as the Infant-Buddha right after his miraculous birth, are rare, as they were not generally used on a home altar as this one probably was.  Carved from one dense piece of wood, portrayed with his feet and legs slightly spread apart and firmly planted on the ground, this Buddhist-Statue is missing both arms. Given this, it is surprising that it is remains such a powerful yet charming image. Although clearly the infant Buddha, he is  portrayed with more adult features, almond eyes, and pendulous ears as the scriptures note that he was born fully formed. Created by a skilled rural artisan, Buddhist-Statues display provincial rather than imperial traits to appeal to a local and not necessarily sophisticated audience. The young Buddha is portrayed as a humble infant in wood rather than in metal. This Buddha-Statue shows him as an older child with a youthful belly, a round head, thick legs and feet wearing a modest waistcloth instead of monks attire and is otherwise unclothed and standing on a small plain round base that supports his wide, stable, yet also relaxed stance. His right shoulder dips slightly in a calm, tranquil yet confident stance. This rare and unique image is in good condition considering its age, use, and the deterioration it experienced during China’s modernization. There are remains of the gilt on the back and legs that originally covered his body, red pigment on the base with expected cracks, and lacquer chips and minor losses in addition to its missing upper limbs. As seen from the cavity in the back, the piece has been consecrated. This is part of VA Spiritual-and-Inspirational Collection of Buddhist-Art Collection.

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