An early development in Indian Buddhist iconography was the 'Crowned Buddha.' In these images the Buddha is not shown wearing the monk's robe and the close-cropped hair of a mendicant, but the diadem-crown and jewelled ornaments of a king. This iconographic type were extremely popular in the Bodhgaya region during the Pala period, and from there this unique aesthetic ideal later migrated to Tibet and Nepal.
The Crowned Buddha symbolizes the Beatific Body (Sambhogakaya) form of Buddha. Among the Three Bodies of the Buddha, the Emanation Body (Nirmanakaya), the Beatific Body (Sambhogakaya), and the Truth Body (Dharmakaya), this represents the manifestation of the Buddha visible to those of greatly purified mind, such as tenth-stage Bodhisattvas.
This form was made especially important in Tibet from the first Great Prayer Festival in 1409. During that celebration, Tsong Khapa transformed the Jokhang temple's Shakyamuni statue - an image venerated since its presentation to Tibet by the Chinese bride of the great Tibetan king Songtsen Gambo in ca. 640 - by crowning and bejewelling it to represent the Beatific Body form (see accompanying image). Thus began the identification of the Crowned Buddha with his Beatific form.
In this present sculpture, Buddha wears a five-tiara crown, which symbolize the five transcendent Buddhas. The skill of the sculpting hands can be felt in the complex draping and fall of the robes. The upper garment covers both his shoulders and he wears regal and luxuriant jewelry which includes bracelets; armlets, necklaces and a pair of elaborate earrings. A choker (collar) further adorns his neck and carved on it is the kirtimukha, which is a symbol of auspiciousness. The radiant face of the Buddha is slightly smiling, and the soft, thin, almost feminine lips lightly pursed together.
How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?
Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.
Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.
In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.
Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.
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