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Londen, Verenigd Koninkrijk
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This sculpture shows Buddha Shakyamuni wearing the crown and ornaments of a monarch combined with the simple monastic robes of a monk. The tall tripartite crown, necklace and earrings contrast dramatically with the unadorned transparent robe.
This representation clearly uses royal imagery to evoke spiritual authority. The Buddha is seated on a double-lotus throne beneath which rests a thunderbolt sceptre (vajra), symbol of an enlightened mind. With his right hand he points to the earth as witness of his resistance to the temptations of wordly attachment, represented here by the demonic goddess Mara.
The throne is decorated with an elaborate aureole and back plate with makara (sea monster) finials upon which are perched kinnara (half-bird celestial musicians). Beneath the lotus-throne appears the Earth Goddess Prithvi, bearing witness to the Buddha's yogic asceticism. The goddess is flanked by lion and elephant throne-supports, emblematic of the Buddha’s strength and nobility.
The two kneeling figures may be identified as a donor couple. The Buddha is attended by the bodhisattvas Avalokitesvara and Maitreya, each standing on a lotus stem. Seated on lotus-thrones above the standing figures are the bodhisattvas Vajrapani and Manjusri. They are identified by their lotus-borne emblems, the vajra and the manuscript book of scripture respectively. Above are celestial adorers, presenting and bearing garlands. A roughly incised inscription is visible on the base mouldings along with depictions of offerings and ritual utensils.
Victoria and Albert Museum