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Gaochang: Seated Buddha
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Gaochang: Seated Buddha
CHINA, Xinjiang, Turpan; 8th century; Wood; H: 15 cm; Museum of Asian Art, Berlin, Germany
The sculpture was unearthed from the Buddhist ruins of Gaochang. The Buddha is carved in deep relief and is seated in meditation on a lotus throne. The monastic robe leaves the right shoulder bare but this is covered by an overmantle that also wraps the hands and crossed legs. The folds descend down the body in orderly but differentiated folds. A plain, petal-shaped nimbus stands out in relief from the mandorla that is rimmed with openwork curled patterns that represent flames. The flames have broken off at the top and right side. The receding perspective of the different planes gives the sculpture a sophisticated effect. |
