The Cosmic Buddha

Описание: The Cosmic Buddha

Buddha Vairochana (Pilushena) with the Realms of Existence
China, probably Henan province, Northern Qi dynasty, 550--77
Limestone with traces of pigment
Freer Gallery of Art
Purchased for the Gallery on Christmas Eve 1923 from the Chinese dealer Shanfang Taku, Beijing
F1923.15

The fine narrative details that cover this monumental standing Buddha provide a rare glimpse into early Chinese symbolic visions of the Buddhist cosmos. Presented like a magical emanation from within the limestone figure, this conceptual map of the universe is associated with Vairochana, the Cosmic Buddha (Pilushena in Chinese), and the Avatamsaka sutra (Huayan jing). Along with supplying some of the first evidence for such allegorical mapping, these relief depictions reflect the amazing sophistication of Chinese narrative illustration and treatment of pictorial space. Both of these techniques had been developed over previous centuries in the fragile medium of brush painting. Small traces of pigment remaining on the surface suggest that the dense design must have been painted originally; this would have made the scenes easier to perceive and understand.

To facilitate the study of such low-relief images, scholars have traditionally used rubbings with black ink on white paper, bringing stronger contrast to even-toned subjects. Digital scanning facilitates a wider variety of imaging techniques to enhance the clarity of the surface. Digital scans are also useful tools for sharing research, since source materials, related illustrations, and interpretation can be easily attached to relevant portions of the image through "hot spots."