Artwork Page for Bodhisattva

Details / Information for Bodhisattva

Bodhisattva

菩薩

700s

China, Tang dynasty

(618-907)
Medium
dry lacquer
Measurements
Overall: 44 x 37 cm (17 5/16 x 14 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Given in memory of Howard Parmelee Eells Jr. by his wife, Adele Chisholm Eells 1983.86
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
241C Chinese Buddhist Sculptures
Print
?

Did You Know?

While lacquer is tough and impervious to insects, it is less durable than wooden or stone sculptures, so this is a rare surviving Tang example.

Description

The bodhisattva, an enlightened being dedicated to the spiritual awakening of all beings, is shown sitting in a relaxed pose, the eyes half-closed in an expression of profound meditation. The statue is modeled in a sensuous manner.

It is made using the dry lacquer technique whereby a clay core is first constructed and then overlaid with fabrics saturated with lacquer. Once the lacquer layers are set, the core is removed. This kind of hollow dry lacquer statue is lightweight and easy to carry.

The piece once suffered from severe surface retouching that distorted its original beauty. The museum's conservation work has removed coats of overpainting and over-restoration, revealing the true appearance of the glossy black lacquered surface with traces of cut-gold decoration and pigments.
A dark, polished dry lacquer sculpture depicts a fragmented Bodhisattva seated cross-legged. The figure wears an intricate beaded necklace and armbands. Their right hand rests on their knee, while their raised left arm is broken at the wrist. The missing lower right leg reveals light-colored internal material. The Bodhisattva features downcast eyes and hair styled in thick, wavy strands, all set upon a thin, uneven base.

Bodhisattva

700s

China, Tang dynasty (618-907)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork