Ming Lacquered Wood Infant Buddha, China (3188)

Description

According to Buddhist scriptures, both Shakyamuni’s conception and birth were miraculous. Although clearly an infant he was born fully formed with adult features, almond eyes, and pendulous ears. As the scriptures state after his birth walked in multiple directions, and with each step lotus plants grew. With one arm and pointed to the and the other down his side pointing downward he proclaimed:

“The chief am I in all the world.
Eldest am I in the world.
Foremost am I in the world.
This is the last birth.
There is now no more coming to be.”

Antique Chinese wood images especially, as an infant are very rare. Unlike Guanyin, Buddha images were generally not made for home use. Carved from one dense piece of wood, feet and legs firmly on the ground, this piece is missing both arms. Given this, it is a surprisingly powerful and charming image. Created by a skilled rural artisan, it reflects Chinese Popular Folk Religion traditions rather than the rigid artistic rules of the imperial court 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 and executed in a refined manner as favored by the imperial tradition. Rather he is portrayed here as an older child with a youthful belly, a round head, thick legs and feet wearing a modest waistcloth instead of monk’s 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 that originally covered his entire body (note the back and legs), 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 in an “

eye opening ceremony.”

Wood images of Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, especially as an infant right after his miraculous birth, are rare, as they were not generally used on a home altar, although this one this one probably was since the cavity in the back indicates it was consecrated.  Carved from one dense piece of wood, portrayed with his feet and legs slightly spread apart and firmly planted on the ground, this image 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. Statues created by skilled rural artisans display provincial rather than imperial traits to appeal to a local and not necessarily sophisticated audience.

This young Buddha is portrayed as a humble infant in wood rather than in metal with a youthful belly, a round head, thick legs wearing a modest waist cloth instead of monks attire. Standing on a small plain round base that supports his stable relaxed stance, his right shoulder dips slightly in a calm, tranquil yet confident pose. This rare and unique image is in good condition considering its age, use, and 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. The back cavity indicates it was consecrated. Mounted on a frosted acrylic stand.