Unveiling the Serenity: Exploring the Origin of Buddha Statues
10 MIN READ
When we are in a Buddhist temple, we see many statues, big and small, and questions always arise in our minds: When were these statues created? Did the sculptor mould the statues to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas? Or were they cast with reference to photographs? In the serene world of classical Oriental art, the Buddha statue stands as an emblem of peace, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment. As we embark on a journey to understand the roots of these timeless creations, we find ourselves immersed in a rich tapestry of history and culture.
The Birth of Buddha Statues
The origin of Buddha statues can be traced back to ancient India, where the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, lived around 2,500 years ago. Initially, representations of the Buddha were in the form of symbols like the Bodhi tree, the lotus flower, and footprints. It wasn't until the 1st century BCE that the first anthropomorphic images of the Buddha emerged.
According to the Ahan Sutra, there were already two statues of the Buddha when he was alive. It is said that when Sakyamuni went to heaven to speak for his mother, Lady Moya, King Yudan of the Marriage Kingdom and King Ananda of the city of Shewei both missed Sakyamuni day and night because of his absence. The ministers of the two countries saw this and were unable to bear it in their hearts, so they carved two statues of Sakyamuni, five feet in height, out of sandalwood and gold, which was the beginning of the creation of the statues of the Buddha.
But in the following centuries, the trend of statue-making was not popular. Buddhists only planted Bodhi trees to signify the Buddha's attainment of enlightenment, carved lotus seats, footprints, and faluns to commemorate the Buddha's visit, or built stupas to mourn the Buddha's nirvana.
The popularity of statues
Until around the second century A.D., due to the impact of foreign cultures in India, statue-making became increasingly popular, and other Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Avalokiteshvara and even Dharma protectors became the objects of sculpture, with a wider variety of subjects. Later, this trend, with the spread of Buddhism, spread all over the world, in the production of great development. There are wood and stone carvings, metal casting, ceramic firing, but also painted on paper, silk, overflowing with local colours.
Early Buddha statues depicted the spiritual leader in a symbolic way, often using an empty throne or a pair of footprints to represent his presence. As Buddhist art evolved, so did the representation of the Buddha. The statues gradually transformed into more lifelike forms, with attention to facial features and hand gestures known as mudras.
The Shape of the Buddha
It is, of course, impossible for descendants to mould the Buddha himself or his photograph, but only on the basis of the characteristics recorded in the classics, and then according to the sculptor's own imagination, so the shape and characteristics of the Buddha's statue are different according to the different times and regions. However, since the Buddha was born from many lifetimes of practice, he naturally had a solemn and wonderful appearance, and according to the classics, he had thirty-two phases and eighty kinds of goodness.
The thirty-two phases and eighty good qualities are common features of all Buddhas, which cannot be recognised from their appearance alone. Sculptors had to mould various statues with different signs according to the classics. Especially the gestures of the statue. There are strict rules. You only need to look at the position of the hands, finger flexion and extension, the objects held and wearing clothing. You can identify the statue as Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, Medicine Buddha or Earth Store Bodhisattva.
Buddhist Caves in China
Buddhism came to China since the end of the Western Han Dynasty, but the moulding of Buddha statues only began in the Northern and Southern Dynasties. In the Northern Dynasty, the three major Buddhist caves of Dunhuang, Yungang and Longmen were excavated, and countless statues of Buddha, large and small, were moulded. In the Sui and Tang dynasties, the spread of Buddhism was brilliant, and the culture of statue-making became more and more popular. The art of Buddha statues is of great significance, they are not only important decorations of Buddhist temples, but also symbols of people's spiritual trust. At the same time, the art of Buddha statues is also a kind of cultural heritage, which witnesses the development and inheritance of Buddhist culture and is of great value for the study of history and culture. Buddhist Caves in China hold a significant place in the world of art, spirituality, and history. These caves, also known as grottoes or cavern temples, are remarkable manifestations of ancient Buddhist art and culture. They serve as sanctuaries where Buddhism, art, and craftsmanship converged, creating awe-inspiring spaces that resonate with spiritual tranquility.
The Mogao Caves, located near the town of Dunhuang in Gansu Province, are a treasure trove of Buddhist artistry. Carved into cliffs along the ancient Silk Road, this UNESCO World Heritage site comprises almost 500 caves adorned with exquisite murals, sculptures, and manuscripts. These caves, constructed over a millennium from the 4th to the 14th centuries, represent a fusion of artistic influences from China, India, and Central Asia. Each cave tells a unique story, depicting Buddhist legends, celestial beings, bodhisattvas, and serene Buddha figures. Another significant site is the Longmen Grottoes, situated near the city of Luoyang in Henan Province. Carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River, the Longmen Grottoes boast over 100,000 Buddhist statues and inscriptions. These sculptures, ranging from colossal Buddhas to delicate, intricately detailed figures, showcase the craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans. Constructed over 400 years during the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties, these grottoes serve as a testament to the flourishing Buddhist culture and the artistic achievements of ancient China.
Moving southwest, the Yungang Grottoes near Datong in Shanxi Province stand as a masterpiece of early Chinese Buddhist cave art. Carved into sandstone cliffs, these grottoes comprise over 50 caves housing around 51,000 statues and statuesque reliefs. Created during the Northern Wei dynasty, these sculptures display a unique blend of Indian Gandharan artistic styles and indigenous Chinese influences, depicting Buddha figures, bodhisattvas, and celestial beings amidst serene landscapes. The artistic grandeur of these caves extends beyond mere sculptures and paintings. Intricately detailed murals adorn the cave walls, narrating tales from Buddhist scriptures and offering glimpses into ancient lifestyles, trade, and cultural exchanges along the Silk Road. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail in these murals illustrate the dedication of the artists and their reverence for Buddhist teachings.
The journey into the origin of Buddha statues reveals a fascinating evolution from symbolic representations to intricate, lifelike sculptures. As we appreciate the craftsmanship and symbolism embedded in each piece, we recognize the enduring legacy of these statues in the world of classical Oriental art. Oriental Aesthetics continues to be a beacon, connecting artists, collectors, and enthusiasts in a shared appreciation for the beauty and serenity embodied in Buddha statues.