He is represented with extended earlobes, now empty of adornment, but which were once stretched out of shape by the weight of the costly jewelry he wore before renouncing his princely status.
A halo-like aureole is seen surrounding the Buddha's head. This is of course a symbol of his divine nature.
In Mahayana Buddhist art, the Buddha is typically represented as a young, ideally proportioned man. But he is distinguished from ordinary humans by thirty-two sacred identifying features, or Lakshana. Among the most frequently observed is the Ushnisha, a cranial bump on the head of the Buddha symbolizing wisdom. This can be observed in this artwork.
This sculpture is made from kadamba wood. The Kadamba tree (Anthocephalus cadamba), is much revered from ancient times. In Sanskrit literature, it is associated with the monsoons. It is said to bloom only when it hears the roar of thunderclouds. The breeze that accompanies the rains is said to carry with it the fragrance of Kadamba. The rainwater that collects in the hollow places of the tree when it is full bloom is called Kadambara and is said to be imbued with honey.
Click Here to read our detailed newsletter: Life of Buddha in Legend and Art.
Click here for the hardbound comic book 'Buddhist Stories'
How to care for Wood Statues?
Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.
It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster.
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist