Items Similar to Central Javanese Cast Silver Transcendent Buddha, 9th-12th Century, Indonesia

Thai Cast Silver Alloy Standing Buddha, Mid 20th Century, Thailand

Lao Cast Bronze Shakyamuni Buddha, 17th-18th Century

Thai Lopburi Cast Bronze Seated Buddha, 13th Century

Thai Sukhothai Cast Bronze Buddha Head, 15th/16th Century, Thailand

Burmese Shan Ava Style Cast Bronze Buddha, 19th/20th Century, Burma

Sri Lankan Cast Bronze Seated Buddha, Kandyan Style, Early to Mid 19th Century

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 19

Central Javanese Cast Silver Transcendent Buddha, 9th-12th Century, Indonesia

About the Item

An exceedingly rare Javanese cast silver figure a Transcendent Buddha, probably the Dhayani Buddha Akshobhya, early classical Javanese period, 9th - 12th century, Java, Indonesia. Cast in silver, the esoteric Buddha, tentatively identified as the Wisdom Buddha Akshobhya, is portrayed seated upon a separately cast double lotus pedestal. He sits in full lotus position, soles of the feet facing up, one hand in his lap, palm upturned, the other hand outstretched over his knee, fingers pointing downwards. The fingers of the upturned hand suggest he originally held an attribute (most likely an upright vajra), now lost, which would have positively identified him. The Buddha wears a thin robe wrapped around his robust body, leaving one shoulder and part of the chest exposed. The hem of the robe falling elegantly across the upturned wrist, to pool over thigh. A narrow sash is draped casually over his robed shoulder. Akshobhaya sits upon a wide and squat double lotus throne. Holes at the back of the lotus base indicate the sculpture would originally have had a mandorla behind the Buddha, and most likely an attached canopy at the top of the mandorla, both of which are now lost. The Buddha's face displays broad features framed by ears with long earlobes. The Buddha stares out from heavily lidded eyes, a faint smile on his lips. His head and prominent low ushnisha are covered in the typical distinctive tight curls. The face is framed by large ears with long earlobes. This small Buddha shares many similarities with the Buddha sculptures found at Borobudur, the important 9th century temple complex located on the island of Java. These type of small figures were usually cast in sets, and would have been part of a large assemblage of deities and retinue figures making up a three dimensional mandala. Were this figure a single cast figure, he probably would be identified as the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. As part of a set, he would most likely represent one of the five Dhayani Buddhas, also known as Transcendent Buddhas, Wisdom Buddhas, or Directional Buddhas. Each of the five Buddhas represents a cardinal direction, with the fifth "direction" being the center. Akshobhaya represents the East, and is the embodiment of "mirror-like awareness", reflecting the true nature of reality and the mind. Provenance: Ancient Objects / Jeff Shore, 2014 Shirley Day, 2005 David Lindahl Spink and Sons, mid 1980's Alexander Biancardi Collection.

Dimensions:

Height: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Width: 2.88 in (7.32 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Silver,Cast

Place of Origin:

Java

Period:

15th Century and Earlier

Date of Manufacture:

9th-12th Century

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. The silver heavily tarnished with an encrusted patina in some areas. The Buddha sits loosely on the lotus pedestal. The lotus pedestal with some holes. Missing the mandorla and canopy.

Seller Location:

Austin, TX

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU894725466612

View Invoice