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Joshinji Temple: Sakyamuni Buddha Triad
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Joshinji Temple: Sakyamuni Buddha Triad
JAPAN, Shiga, Otsu; Heian period (794–1185); Cypress wood; H: 88.5 cm (Buddha)
These statues are 12th century interpretation of the Avatamsaka Sutra. The lotus-seated Sakyamuni is flanked by a lion-riding Manjusri and an elephant-riding Samantabhadra. The body and head of each statue were sculpted separately and joined. They were listed as an Important Cultural Property in 1976. The broad-shouldered Sakyamuni wears a monastic robe across both shoulders. The figure has the right hand raised in abhaya (fearlessness) mudra and sits in full lotus position. The two Bodhisattvas wear stoles and skirts as they sit in the same position on lotus seats balanced on the back of their mounts. Manjusri holds an upright sword in the right hand, while the left hand is in a mudra. Samantabhadra’s hands are in anjali (reverence) mudra. |
