Art of South and Southeast Asia: Buddha

Ancient South and Southeast Asian Art: Buddha and Beyond

Introduction

  • The lecture focuses on the art of South and Southeast Asia, particularly representations of Buddha.

  • An example is given of a colossal carving of Buddha into the side of a mountain, drawing a comparison to Mount Rushmore in the United States to illustrate the scale and devotion involved.

  • Objectives:

    • Differentiate between styles of ancient Indus sculpture.

    • Discuss the three schools of thought concerning artistic representation of Buddha.

    • Discuss the Gupta period.

  • Key terms: Indus Valley, Buddha, Gandhara, Toga, Mathura, Amaravati, Gupta period, and Bodhisattva.

Ancient Indus Sculpture

  • Indus Stamp Seals: Hundreds were found in the Indus Valley, a civilization that disappeared mysteriously.

    • Used as marks of ownership or status.

    • Engraved with animals, humans, fantastic creatures, or divinities.

    • Contained inscriptions along the top edge in an undeciphered language.

  • Priest King Sculpture: Shows typical facial features of the Indian Subcontinent.

    • Features: low forehead, broad nose, thick lips, and long slit eyes.

    • Made of limestone with traces of paint.

    • Relatively small: 6\frac{7}{8} inches tall.

  • Torso: Fleshy, soft appearance, typical of Indian art. Not idealized or muscular like Greek sculptures.

    • Made of red sandstone.

    • 3\frac{3}{4} inches tall.

Three Schools of Thought in Representing Buddha

Gandhara

  • Combined Hellenistic, Persian, and native styles.

  • Greco-Roman influence: Buddha figures wear togas.

  • Early figures had the head of Apollo with a Roman-style toga.

Mathura

  • Not aligned with the Hellenistic style; more abstract.

  • Buddha sits on a chair, often with figures beneath him, denoting power.

  • Right hand is raised in a gesture meaning "have no fear".

  • Sculptures are made of sandstone flecked with cream-colored spots.

Amaravati

  • Focused on scenes from Buddha's life.

  • Depicts stories, such as Buddha's birth or the presence of King Bantouma.

  • Buddha is represented within a narrative context.

Gupta Period

  • The Gupta's expanded their territories in the century and their power prevailed for only about 166 years.

  • The influence of the Gupta culture was felt for centuries

  • Painting of a Bodhisattva on a cave wall in India.

    • Monks carved caves and painted murals with mineral pigments on prepared plaster surfaces.

    • Paintings depicted episodes from Buddha's past lives (reincarnations).

    • Figures appear divine yet human, with bright colors and jewels.

  • Standing Buddha:

    • Softer, gentler curves, serene face, representing harmony.

    • Appears divine but also human.

    • Ear lobes are always stretched, a common feature in Buddha representations.

Key Terms

  • Indus Valley: An ancient Indian civilization that flourished in the Indus River Basin. Typical sculptures had low foreheads, broad noses, thick lips, and long slit eyes.

  • Buddha: A spiritual teacher from ancient India and founder of Buddhism. Represented in art through three main schools of thought: Gandhara, Mathura, and Amaravati.

  • Gandhara: Combined Hellenistic, Persian, and native styles. Early depictions featured Buddha with the head of Apollo and a Roman-style toga.

  • Toga: An ancient Roman garment. The toga worn by Gandhara Buddha reflects Greco-Roman influence.

  • Mathura: A style not aligned with the Hellenistic style; more abstract. Features Buddha with a raised hand, signifying "have no fear".

  • Amaravati: Focused on scenes from Buddha's life, such as his birth.

  • Gupta Period: Considered the classical age of Buddhist art and literature. Art reflected softer, gentle curves, harmony, and a divine yet human appearance.

  • Bodhisattva: Means "enlightened existence" and is one of the most popular images of Buddhist art.