A bronze Vairocana Buddha, late Ming dynasty (1368-1644).
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Cast seated in dhyanasana with hands held at chest level in uttrabodhimudra, wearing loose robes with dense floral-scroll borders, the exposed chest above the sash-tied antaravasaka, regal face with downcast eyes and gentle smile flanked by pendulous ears, beneath the elaborate openwork crown. Traces of paint and gilding. Height 26 cm.
The crown with damage, holes, damage, base placque missing.
Provenance
From the collection of a Swedish artist. Small inventory note to interior. No 863. OR510
More information
Vairocana is considered a celestial or primordial Buddha, and represents the dharma body of the historical Buddha. Vairocana is also seen as the embodiment of the Buddhist concept of sunyata, emptiness, and is one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas, which represent the five qualities of the Buddha. In this respect, Vairocana represents the Buddha's all-encompassing wisdom.
This concept is represented by the uttrabodhimudra displayed by the present figure. This gesture represents supreme enlightenment and together with the vajramudra and dharmachakramudra is one that is specifically associated with Vairocana.