The art of Buddhist statues originated in Gandhara, one of the sixteen ancient states of India. Its territory roughly corresponds to the present-day northeastern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan ...
Ancient Chinese Buddha Statue Art
The art of Buddhist statues originated in Gandhara, one of the sixteen ancient states of India. Its territory roughly corresponds to the present-day northeastern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan. This region served as a bridge connecting Central Asia, Western Asia, East Asia, and South Asia. It was a melting pot for aesthetics, art, and techniques from different countries in the East and the West.
Influenced by Alexander the Great's conquests in the East and Emperor Ashoka's spread of Buddhism, by the 1st century AD, the Greek god figures and Buddhist deities began to merge in the Gandhara region. This marked the emergence of Buddhist-style clay sculpture art, which rapidly developed into Gandharan statuary art combining both Indian and Greek styles.
Characteristic features include the oval-shaped face of the Buddha statues, finely arched eyebrows, and a high and long nose akin to a sword. The hair is depicted in wavy patterns, often arranged in a topknot. They bear a radiant halo similar to the Greek sun god Apollo, and are draped in Roman togas, with the folds of the garment often cascading down from the left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder exposed. These features are common to statues of both Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
At times, they sported beards and other features. Initially, statues were predominantly made of clay or stone, but later, bronze statues also emerged.
During the heyday of Gandharan culture, as China entered the Han Dynasty, Buddhist sculptures, along with Buddhist culture, made their way eastward into China via the overland Silk Road.
The Development of Bronze Statues: Offerings and Functions of Bronze Statues.
The history of bronze statues in Han China, from their initial emergence, flourishing, to their eventual decline, is closely intertwined with the development of Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the salvation of all sentient beings, placing great importance on using the power of compassion to relieve suffering and lead people to take refuge in the Buddha.
Throughout the periods of Han, Wei, Western Jin, Eastern Jin, the Sixteen Kingdoms, Southern and Northern Dynasties, as well as the Sui and Tang Dynasties, followers developed a steadfast faith in various Buddhas and benevolent Bodhisattvas. This was done in order to give tangible form to their spiritual beliefs and deepen their devotion.
The period of the Sixteen Kingdoms during the Eastern Jin Dynasty was a pivotal stage in the development of bronze statues. During this time, Buddhism was given visual expression through the creation of images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
China adapted foreign prototypes and localized them, successfully creating Buddha statues with distinct Han characteristics. Large and medium-sized bronze statues were generally enshrined in temples, particularly in the main halls of Buddhist temples.
During this period, both the northern and southern regions became centers for the development of bronze statues. The Buddha hall became the primary storage place, with some statues placed outside the temple.
In the mid-19th century, Dingzhou became the central region for statue production in the eastern part of the Central Plains. Small-sized statues, owned by individuals other than monks, were often kept at home for worship. At times, they were carried along, especially during historical events like the Three Wars and the One Zenith, for easy access to worship.
Bronze statues served several functions. Firstly, they were used for the daily worship of monks and for blessings. Secondly, they were employed in the delivery of Buddhist teachings, creating a solemn atmosphere. Thirdly, they played a significant role in the practice of bathing Buddha images. Due to their discreet and portable nature, small-sized statues were able to endure through various historical periods.
The 8th of April in the Chinese lunar calendar, known as the Bathing Buddha Festival, is a significant occasion for such processions. It is believed to bestow blessings for peace and stability in this world, as well as the ascent of departed souls to the heavens. This has made it a major focus of current research on bronze statues.
