5 - Statuary

Question 1

Kuṣāṇa (=Kushan) dynasty

Answer 1

-1st century BCE-3rd century CE
- development of antropomorphic illustration of the Buddha
- non narrative cult objects
- changes in worship practices (from worshipping the relics to worshipping the Buddha as a god)

Question 2

Standing Buddhas

Answer 2

• antaravasaka: undergarment
• uttarasanga: outer garment
• wet draping of monastic robe: hellenistic
• usnisa: Bun
• urna: 3rd eye
• 32 marks of a great being
• idealized face: greek profile
• eyes down: compassion gaze down to the world
• Amithaba: past buddha sitting in headdress
• water flask in hand : ascetic
• Abaya Mudra, Handgesture of Protection, peace and assurance
• regional dresses, moustaches, jewelllery possible

Question 3

Standing Bodhisattva

Answer 3

• not monks
• no monastic robes
• but marks of great men: usnisa and urna

Question 4

Ghandara School

Answer 4

• 200-300 CE
• Northwest (Pakistan)
• grey schist
• hellenististic influences

Question 5

Mathura School

Answer 5

• North central India
  -very different style
  -reddish sandstone
  -less athletic torso
• round face, almond eyes
• light fabric
• sensual modelling of flesh

Question 6

Seated Buddhas (Mathura)

Answer 6

• Halo behind: Buddha as god
• royal attendants flanking the buddha
• lions as royal animals signs for Cakravartin
• inscriptions
• often seated under Bodhi tree at moment of enlightenment
• Abhaya mudra (protection)
• kapardin: special usnisa bun

Question 7

Gupta period

Answer 7

• 400-600 CE
• Indian Classicism
• Candragupta king

Question 8

2nd school of Mathura

Answer 8

• Gupta, 400-600 CE
• reddish sandstone
• Halo behind
• right hand Abahaya mudra
• left hand holding the robe
• pleats in robe
• wet shaped fabric
• idealized body
• GUPTA CANON:
• lips narrow
• legs long
• wide shoulders

Question 9

Mathura II Buddha Heads

Answer 9

• dropping earlobes (jewels from his princely background)
• neck folds (indian) “folds of beauty”
• inward loooking , meditative gaze
• strong idealization, Gupta style

Question 10

Sarnath School

Answer 10

• Sarnath site of 1st Sermon
• wheel and deer park motifs
• 500 CE
• white sandstone
• Dharmacakra mudra
• human shape idealized as per Gupta Canon