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Vairocana Buddha
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Vairocana Buddha
CHINA; Sui dynasty (581–618); Limestone; H: 176.5 cm; Freer Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., USA
The statue is identified as a representation of Vairocana Buddha mainly due to the detailed engravings on the robe. They depict all the spheres of rebirth within the Dharma realm. The engravings include heavenly palaces, human realm, and hell depictions, as well as scenes of Avalokitesvara rescuing people from the eight dangers near the bottom. The statue is a very early Chinese depiction of the teaching that the universe is a reflection of the cosmic Dharma body manifested in Vairocana. Artworks from the Sui dynasty (581–618) despite being heavily influence by the Northern Zhou dynasty (557–581) was more unique, as shown in the statue. |
