plaque; 飾板(Chinese) BM-MAS.330

Period:Unknown Production date:5thC-6thC
Materials:fired clay, 粘土 (Chinese),
Technique:mould-made, painted, 模製 (Chinese), 烘乾的 (Chinese),
Subjects:buddha 佛 (Chinese)
Dimensions:Height: 9.50 centimetres Width: 7.50 centimetres

Description:
Fragment of clay relief plaque showing a seated Buddha. He has a head nimbus enclosed by a plain band and is shown seated against a vesica bordered by lotus petals. His legs are crossed, the eyes closed, the hands held in the meditation position (dhyāna mudrā). The plaque was made using a mould and fired. Traces of paint are still visible.
IMG


Comments:Zwalf 1985Miniature Buddha images were affixed to the haloes surrounding larger figures, while their small size also made them ideal for the devotions of individual worshippers. They were made of clay in one-piece moulds (see no. 278). The lotus petals form a surround to the Buddha, seated with legs crossed at the ankles, and hands laid in the lap. In the earliest Chinese images from the cave temples at Dunhuang larger figures with crossed ankles represent Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future.