 |
Life of the Buddha - Birth of Prince Siddhartha
|
| |
|
Life of the Buddha - Birth of Prince Siddhartha
NEPAL; Licchavi Kingdom (circa 300 - 879), 5th–6th century; Stone; H: 83.8 cm; National Museum of Nepal, Kathmandu
Queen Maya stands in tribhanga posture, supporting herself with both hands round a branch of the tree that overshadows her. The queen’s upper body is decorated with jewelry, including a belt about a transparent skirt, as she stands with ankles crossed.
The newborn prince stands on the left, surrounded by an oval mandorla on a double lotus pedestal. Above him hover apsaras pouring water from vessels to wash him. The background features clouds, leaves and fruits.
The entire sculpture is a rhythmical composition, rising along the trunk to the right, with the graceful curve of the queen, then descending with the bending branches to center upon the upright child. |
