Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts

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Vols：Sculpture

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Ascetic Sakyamuni

JAPAN; Muromachi period (1392–1573); Cypress wood; H: 96.3 cm; Nara National Museum, Japan
This figure dates from the Muromachi period (1392-1573) and depicts Sakyamuni Buddha emerging from the mountains after years of ascetic practice. The Buddha ate only a single sesame seed and a grain of wheat a day during this time. The figure has a serene aura despite the gaunt appearance. The monastic robe drapes naturally over the body in a series of wavy folds. The shins and feet of the Buddha are bare as he walks over the rocks supported by a stick. The realistic sculpture has clean, crisp lines.

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