Description
In Buddhist art, buddhas (supreme beings who entered the world of nirvana) and bodhisattvas (compassionate beings committed to the attainment of enlightenment for others) are two main subjects. The religious role of buddhas and bodhisattvas—to lead all sentient beings to the realm of Buddhahood—is the same, yet visual languages to represent them is different. As shown in this statue, the Buddha is represented as a monk with shaven head and dressed in simple monastic robes. Bodhisattvas, on the other hand, are adorned with elaborate jewelry and a lock of long hair.
Provenance
The Honorable Joseph P. Carroll and Roberta Carroll, M.D., New York, NY, partial gift and sale to the Cleveland Museum of Art (?–1995); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1995–)
Accession Number
1995.67
Medium
wood with lacquer and gilding
Dimensions
Overall: 33 x 21 x 19.8 cm (13 x 8 1/4 x 7 13/16 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Credit Line
The Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund and partial gift of The Honorable Joseph P. Carroll and Roberta Carroll, M.D. in memory of Godfrey St. G. M. Gompertz
