This small statue depicts the birth of the founder of Buddhism, Shakyamuni. He was born around 2,500 years ago in Lumbini, a beautiful flower garden located in modern-day Nepal. Legend has it that after emerging from the right side of his mother, Lady Maya, Shakyamuni took seven steps, with lotus flowers springing up where his feet touched the ground. He then pointed to the heavens and intoned in a clear voice, “Holy am I alone throughout heaven and earth.” With these words, he declared he had come to save all the people of the world. The Flower Festival is held in Japan every year on April 8 to celebrate the Buddha’s birthday. On this occasion, people pour scented tea over small Buddhist statues like this. In doing so, they recreate the legendary scene of the infant Shakyamuni receiving his first bath, the water of which is said to have been poured down from the heaven. In Japan, this tradition dates backs to the Ashoka period around the 7th century. In this statue, Shakyamuni is pointing to the heavens with his right hand and to the earth with his left. He is naked apart from a cloth wrapped around his waist, which makes it clear that this is as a depiction of the baby Buddha. Despite its small size, the statue radiates a sense of wisdom with its imposing brow and tightly-closed mouth, a befitting appearance for an object of veneration. At the end of the Ashoka period, when this statue was made, childlike Buddhist statues became popular. These made Shakyamuni appear both solemn and adorable at the same time. We hope you are also charmed by this ancient gilt-bronze Buddha.
Details
- Title : Standing Shakyamuni at Birth
- Year : 7th century
- Classification : Sculpture
- Medium : Gilt bronze
- Accession No : Collection reference no. C-1856
- Culture : Buddhism
- Period : Ashoka period
- Collection : Tokyo National Museum
- Acquisition Method : Gift of Ms. Yano Tsuruko