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Antique Japanese bronze statue of Buddha in ascetic practice / late 19th century
$1,200
£913.80
€1,043.50
CA$1,686.15
A$1,850.03
CHF 974.50
MX$22,008.01
NOK 12,483.29
SEK 11,398.95
DKK 7,795.95
About the Item
This bronze statue of Shakyamuni undergoing ascetic practices is thought to have been made between the Meiji period and the early Showa period. Shakyamuni ascetic statues are Buddhist statues that depict the rigorous training that the Buddha underwent before attaining enlightenment. It's said that in his youth, Shakyamuni attempted to reach truth through extreme fasting and severe ascetic practices, but realized that this path would not lead to enlightenment, and instead embraced the teachings of the Middle Way. This statue perfectly depicts this state of training, with its emaciated body, prominent ribs, and deep gaze embodying the essence of Buddhist thought.
In Japan, examples can be found in famous temples, including Horyuji Temple in Nara, one of the country's most famous temples. We have posted a photo of a similar Shakyamuni ascetic statue kept at Horyuji Temple, so please take a look for reference.
A statue of the same type as this one is also preserved at Saiun-in Temple in Kyoto.
We also have a photo of this statue, so please take a look.
It is believed that at the time, molds were made from woodcarvings, and multiple statues were cast. It is believed that other sculptures by other sculptors were also cast.
While a certain number of these statues were likely made at the time, fewer still exist than the Birth Buddha, making them rarer than statues widely handed down to temples like the Birth Buddha.
(A Birth Buddha is a statue depicting the Buddha immediately after his birth. It is depicted pointing with its right hand toward the sky and its left toward the earth. In Japan, it is used during the Flower Festival, and it is customary to celebrate by pouring sweet tea over the statue.)
The sculpture is extremely intricate, and the depiction of the bones and facial expressions conveys the skilled skill of the sculptors of the time. At 10.4cm wide, 9.4cm deep, and 22.3cm high, it is compact yet imposing, captivating any space wherever it is placed. It weighs 1.55kg, providing stability, and comes with a wooden storage box, making it easy to store and transport.
This statue not only exudes artistic value, but also makes a powerful presence as a part of your interior. For example, simply placing one on a shelf in a modern living room will add a sense of tranquility and spirituality to the space, setting it apart from other decorative pieces. Placing it on a desk in a study or on the tokonoma alcove in a Japanese-style room will bring a meditative atmosphere into your daily life and help calm the mind. As a highly artistic object, it blends beautifully with Scandinavian furniture and contemporary design, creating a unique worldview that transcends Japanese and Western styles.
More than a mere religious sculpture, the Buddha Statue in Ascetic Practice reflects universal themes such as "the meaning of life" and "suffering and enlightenment." It will be highly sought after by collectors as a rare Buddhist statue, and by interior enthusiasts as an art piece that elevates any space.
Also, I want many people to know the goodness of antiques, so I set the price reasonably.
Product Number: SC133
Size: W10.4cm x D9.4cm x H22.3cm
Weight: 1.55kg
About the Seller
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