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Prajnaparamita Cambodia Bayon 12th century Bronze, cast in the lost wax method height 34 cm. |
The Buddhist goddess of transcendental wisdom is distinguished by the blue lotus and the manuscript she holds in her hands. Prajnaparamita is one of the most important female bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism. As an actual creator of the universe she attained the state of enlightenment and dedicated herself to guiding all mankind to the true path of Buddha that leads to nirvana. She is the personification of wisdom and is regarded as the mystic mother of all Buddhas. Portrayed in a standing posture on a double lotus pedestal the goddess holds a pustaka, the book which symbolizes wisdom, in her right hand. In her left she holds an utpala, a blue lotus, symbolizing purity and spiritual elevation. The diadem of the conical headdress is decorated with a row of stylized lotus leaves. She is adorned with earrings, a necklace with an inlaid rock crystal, and bracelets, and wears a fine skirt which is folded over a belt hung with numerous pendants, and which has engraved design. On the goddess's forehead is an urna, the sign of a great being. The great king Jayavarman VII (1181-1219) ascended the throne of Angkor after the capital had been plundered by the Chams of Vietnam. His reign marked the final flourishing of Khmer artistic genius. As a devout Buddhist he set out to restore the glory of the Khmer empire, commissioning innumerable images of Buddha Sakyamuni, Avalokitèshvara and Prajnaparamita to be set up in sanctuaries throughout the empire. As the king identified himself not only with the Buddha but also with the bodhisattvas, the cult of the latter became more popular than at any time in Khmer history. This bronze image clearly displays the peculiar characteristics of the Bayon style [1]. The serene realistic expression is assimilated with the image of the king himself. This fine bronze figure of Prajnaparamita is a masterpiece of Khmer bronze casting. Deftly and subtly modelled, this graceful image is depicted with lively imagination. Set in a frontal and convincing stance, her hands are arrested in a beautiful position, raised slightly, and turning away from each other. They enhance the elegance of this goddess of wisdom. The deep natural greenish patina complements this rare and classic Bayon bronze. [1] K. Samen, Preah Nèang Tévi, Collections du Musée National Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, 2005, p. 115, fig.47, Prajnaparamita, Bayon, height 9.8 cm. E. C. Bunker and D. Latchford, Adoration and Glory. The Golden Age of Khmer Art, Chicago, 2004, p. 196, no. 64 a and b, n. 67 a and b. |