Female Buddha from the Island of Java (1500) Sculptuur door Unknow Artist

Female Buddha
A rare and valuable statue carved from raw stone dating back to the 10th century, discovered on the island of Java, Indonesia.

Civilizations that emerged in the Indonesian Islands (especially Java and Bali) were heavily influenced by Indian Buddhist civilization as early as the first century.

These island kingdoms had a strong impact on the figurative arts of mainland Southeast Asia.

On the island of Java, the Buddhist kingdom of Sri Vijaya was formed (approximately 8th to 13th centuries):

Under the rule of the Sailendra dynasty, this maritime kingdom primarily adopted traditions of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism.

Sculptors favored high and low relief techniques, rarely carving fully three-dimensional statues (especially in India). Naturally, there is a reason and a specific need for this. The works were made to be observed and revered only from a frontal position, so they did not require finishing on the back, which remained raw.

Sometimes, these sculptures were integrated into architectural structures and were directly carved into the stone blocks of buildings. Alternatively, specific niches were created in walls to insert them.

Indicators of a refined artistic taste include: details of the dancer's attire characterized by a decorated bodice and other jewelry and ornaments on the neck and arms; the particularly large earlobes resembling those of the Buddha, wrists, and ankles.

The represented court dancer likely belonged to the Indianized elite of Java and stands out from village dancers, as the leg posture is much more restrained, the knees do not bend, and the legs remain united and never turned outward.

As backgrounds, the typical lotus flowers, associated with profound meaning in divinity.

Dimensions: 78 x 44 x 25 cm

Weight: 70/80 kg

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