Masterpiece: Seated Buddha Dated 338

Summary

This video highlights a unique Buddha sculpture from China, distinguished by its earliest inscription dated to 338 CE. The Buddha, an extraordinary and nearly complete work, features a square protrusion on the back of its head, likely for an umbrella once attached. The sculpture may have had additional elements such as guardian lions and a lotus in front. The Buddha was fully covered in gold, except for the head, which was likely painted blue or black. This masterpiece reflects the cultural exchange through Buddhist missionaries from Central Asia who introduced Buddhist art to China.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Buddha in the script is notable for being the earliest dated Buddhist sculpture in China, with an inscription from 338 CE.
• 😀 The Buddha's inscription is the oldest of its kind, not only in the museum but also anywhere in the world.
• 😀 The sculpture is large and nearly completely intact, making it a masterpiece from its period.
• 😀 The back of the Buddha features a square protrusion with a round hole, suggesting the presence of an umbrella once attached to it.
• 😀 The umbrella likely had a shaft with a bangle hanging from its edge, symbolizing its sacred nature.
• 😀 Three holes on the Buddha's front probably supported guardian lions on either side and a lotus in the center.
• 😀 The Buddha was originally covered in gold, with the head possibly painted dark blue or black.
• 😀 Buddhist missionary monks from Central Asia played a key role in introducing images of the Buddha to China.
• 😀 The Buddha sculpture represents a blend of Chinese and Central Asian Buddhist influences during its creation.
• 😀 The craftsmanship of the sculpture indicates its importance, as it was made during a time of significant cultural exchange between regions.

Q & A

Why is this Buddha sculpture significant in Chinese art history?

The Buddha sculpture is significant because it features the earliest inscription in China, dating back to 338 CE. This makes it the earliest recorded date on any Buddhist sculpture in China or globally.

What is the earliest date inscribed on the Buddha sculpture?

The earliest date inscribed on the Buddha sculpture is 338 CE.

What is the significance of the date 338 CE for this sculpture?

The date 338 CE is significant because it represents the earliest known inscription on a Buddhist sculpture in China, making this Buddha sculpture a key piece in the history of Chinese Buddhism.

What are the unique features of the Buddha sculpture?

The Buddha sculpture is unique due to its large size, the earliest inscription, and several missing elements such as a protrusion on the back of the head, which likely held an umbrella. It also has three holes on the front that probably supported guardian lions and a lotus.

What does the protrusion on the back of the Buddha’s head suggest?

The protrusion on the back of the Buddha's head suggests that something, most likely an umbrella, was once attached to the sculpture.

What would the umbrella attached to the Buddha have looked like?

The umbrella would have been mounted on a shaft extending from the back of the Buddha's head, with bangles hanging from the outer edge of the umbrella.

What were the three holes on the Buddha's front likely used for?

The three holes on the Buddha's front were likely used to support a pair of guardian lions on either side, with a lotus in the center.

What was the original decoration of the Buddha sculpture?

The Buddha sculpture was originally covered in gold, except for the head, which was probably painted dark blue or black.

Who brought images of the Buddha to China?

Buddhist missionary monks from Central Asia were responsible for bringing images of the Buddha to China.

Why is this Buddha sculpture considered a masterpiece?

The Buddha sculpture is considered a masterpiece due to its large size, historical significance as the earliest dated Buddha in China, and the fine craftsmanship that has survived, despite some missing elements.