Origin
Introduction
Text Search
News
Contact Us
Reservation
Current page:Home>Full text search

 

Full-text search

  Vol:Sculpture
page no:56
Ascetic Sakyamuni
Ascetic Sakyamuni
 

Ascetic Sakyamuni

CHINA; Yuan dynasty (1271–1368); Gilt bronze; H: 44.2 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio, USA
The statue represents Sakyamuni during the six-year period when he lived as an ascetic before his enlightenment. Sakyamuni wears a topknot decorated with a gem and his eyes are slightly closed. The figure sits in the royal ease posture, with the hands resting naturally on the knee. The robes cling to the legs and patterns are visible on the hem. Sakyamuni became emaciated during this time due to the practice of eating only the barest minimum, hence the bones of the exposed arm and shin are clearly visible.