skulptur, figur, sculpture

Unknown artist

Bronze image of Buddha, who is seen seated, feet drawn up, soles visible. Pl I, 1c. No details of his dress visible except a few folds of the cloak and an ornament round the neck. At the back there have been two flat tenons, pierced for the string. The upper one is broken. This figure possibly includes the aureole of bronzea consisting of a relief with 7 images of Buddha. Supplied with two holes so that it can be attached to the above figure. The only large object made in two parts is a seated Buddha with a halo ornament in relief. The figure itself is solid and with the aid of two tenons at the back it was fastened to or behind the screen, in which there are two corresponding holes ... The lower part of the figure is missing. It probably consisted of a lotus throne or at least of a lotus stalk similar to what is the case in some other images here illustrated. The screen is pointed and adorned with seven small images of Buddha in relief. The outlines of these images are all very indistinct, but they are undoubtedly of a type representing the main figure. The grouping of seven Buddha figures occurs in other finds from Khotan. In later Buddhism and in Lamaism there occur similar groupings especially in representations of Bhaisajyaguru, the god of medical science. Fragments of similar objects of wood were found by Stein especially at Domoko, east of Khotan (cf Stein 1928, pl IX 13, 14). Montell, 1938 p. 84.