Iconic Buddha Sculptures
December 31st, 2014 - San Marcos, Ca
Iconic Buddha Sculptures
Khmer Road Sculpture has selected six of the most iconic Buddha busts in history. Spanning Southeast Asian countries and hundreds of years, these examples capture all of the endearing qualities of Buddha. Each bust measures approximately 8 inches wide and 20 inches tall. All are hand carved from the finest sandstone of varying colors matching the originals. The reproductions are based on what some experts consider the finest masterpieces ever exhibited. Each sits on a 12 inch square base of polished red granite supported by a copper rod. Attached to the front of the base is a copper plaque, engraved with the appropriate style of Buddha. Included with each Buddha is a wall or desk plaque describing the style and historical details.broihier Sukhothai
The Sukhothai Kingdom is thought to have begun in the year 1238 CE and continued until 1438 CE. Some Thai historians believe the Sukhothai kingdom is the beginning of their Thailand nation. Sculptures were exclusively of Buddhist images. The period of Buddha Sculptures is well known for their elegance. They feature a flame aureole, closed eyes and slightly amused smile. They are worthy of high praise as a unique beautiful style.
Sukhothai was the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam. A mixture of cultures that evolved into what is known as the Sukhothai style. A close relationship with Sri Lanka further refined this style. Buddha images displayed distinguishing characteristics from the Khmer and Mon period. The Buddhas look idealistic and not as human as their predecessors. Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet were selected as UNESCO, World Heritage Sites and as historical parks in 1991. broihier Burmese
The Pyu Kingdom existed in present day upper Burma from circa 200 CE to the middle of the 11th century CE. It probably reached its peak from the 5th to 9th century and was possibly the first Buddhist culture in Burma. Initially, historians may have overlooked the formative influence of the Pyu civilization on Burmese culture. This is, in part, due to the lack preserved examples. The bust chosen for replication is thought to have originated in the seventh century CE.
The dearth of Buddhist artifacts at ancient Pyu sites may indicate that there was a strong Andran Buddhist influence. Andra Pradesh Buddhists from southern India rejected the worship of iconic Buddha images. Excavations from Andra Pradesh and Pyu sites have shown similar artifacts. Archaeological evidence is limited and has lead to much conjecture on the subject. Chronicles from the Chinese Tang Dynasty (606-910 CE) describe the land of the Pyu consisted of 18 states and 12 walled cities, covering 298 districts. The eighth century Chinese records describe the Pyu people as humane and peaceful who wore cotton instead of silk to avoid having to kill silkworms.broihier Borobudur
Temple constructions thought to have begun 778 CE and completed in 842 CE considered one of the greatest Buddha monuments in the world. Of the original 504 carved stone Buddhas, over 300 have been damaged most (headless). 43 have been stolen, mostly by the collectors and western museums. This place of power and peace was a Buddhist destination from the mid 9th century. It is located on the island of Java and is Indonesia’s leading tourist attraction.
India's influence in the region and the Gupta art forms are visible at Borobudur, but it remains uniquely Indonesian. Restoration was completed in 1983. Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1991. It is still used today as a Buddhist pilgrimage.Temple predates Angkor Wat by approximately 300 hundred years and is the largest Buddhist monument in the world. Situated on a hill with commanding views over the lush, tropical surroundings, many consider it as the most beautiful of all Buddhist temples.broihier Khmer
This Bayon style is from the Angkor period, 1180 CE to 1280 CE. This graceful design is characterized by its wide mouth and full lips, of particular note are the rectangular shape of the tight hair curls, which are masterfully carved. Bayon was the last state temple to be built at Angkor. It was primarily used a shrine dedicated to Buddha. Some historians believe the stone carvings are representations of King Jayavaraman VII himself.
Two Khmer kings firmly established the importance of Buddhism. King Jayavarman II (802 CE to 869 CE) visited Borobudur in Java early in his life and it appears to have been his inspiration for the Angkor Wat complex. King Jayavarman VII (1181 CE to 1215 CE), regarded by many as the greatest of all Khmer Buddhist kings, built the Angkor Thom and Bayon temples. He considered Bayon as his masterpiece. The Khmer Empire began in 802 CE and ended in mystery in the 15th century.broihier Gandhara
Alexander the Great invaded northwest India (now Pakistan) in 326 BCE. This area was already under the influence of Buddhism. The character of the Indo-Greek Kingdom (180 BCE to 10 CE) was the result of the interaction between the Hellenistic and Buddhist cultures (180 BCE to 10 CE). Buddhism was able to flourish during this period and these early stone sculptures were likely to be the first attempts of sculptural representations of Buddha. The stylized realism of the Greek sculptors allowed the Gandhara style to convey the inner peace so often associated with Buddha images.
Prior to the 2nd century BCE, Buddhist art was primarily represented by symbols. These included the Bodhi tree, the wheel, stupas and footprints. By 100 CE, sensuous and realistic, human forms with a definite Hellenistic-Greek look appeared. Some of the sculptural, stylistic characteristics of the Gandhara Buddha are as follows, wavy hair and top-knot in the Mediterranean style. Fine features, almost feminine in appearance. Elongated face with a strong chin and downward gazing eyes. Gandhara Buddha sculptures combine elements of both Indian and Western culture.broihier Korean
Seokguram Grotto is one of South Korea's national treasures and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. The Grottos construction began in 742 CE and was completed in 774 CE. Korean sculptures of Buddha are relatively rare and this scarcity of images has made it difficult for scholars to understand their development. However, some of the finest and most technically accomplished Buddhist sculptures in the world were produced in Korea. The iconic Buddha at Seokguram Grotto served as the model for the Korean Buddha.
Beginning in India and then spreading to China and Korea, there is a resemblance that continues with the Indo-Greek style, even as Seokguram remains unique. It measures 3.5 meters in height and sits upon a 1.3 meter tall lotus. Realistic in form and considered by many to be unparalleled in the quality of artistic sculpting, this iconic Buddha deserves this reputation.