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9. Indra and Brahma Entreat the Buddha to Preach Pakistan, Swat Valley 2nd/3rd century Green schist Height: 15 ¾ in. (40 cm.) |
One of the most commonly depicted scenes from the life of Buddha is that of the gods Indra and Brahma entreating the Buddha to preach. Here, flanking the Enlightened One, these elder divinities raise their hands (now missing) imploringly in prayer, hoping that Buddha will deliver a sermon. The figures are beautifully carved, the lines of their bodies fluid as they turn toward their teacher. Buddha, however, is not certain that his profound doctrine is one that would be easily understood by his devotees. Although Indra first makes the request, it is Brahma who successfully convinces Buddha to preach the law by reminding him that someone will, in fact, achieve enlightenment. Buddha is portrayed in this relief seated upon an architectural throne, and his right hand is raised in abhaya mudra, a gesture dispelling fear. His head is surrounded by stylized branches of a bodhi tree, and a circular nimbus which attests to his divine status. Sculpture from the Swat Valley reflects a distinctly regional style, heavily Indian in influence. The proportions, broad facial features, and garments are unique to works from the area. [1] It is interesting to note that the Buddha in the present example wears a moustache, a trait generally ascribed to bodhisattva images, but commonly seen amongst similar carvings of this period. [2] Provenance: Sotheby’s, New York, December 5, 1992, no. 60 New York Private Collection Published: Kurita, I., Gandharan Art I: The Buddha’s Life Story, (Japan, 2003), p. 131, no. 257. 1. For a comparable rendition of this subject, see Kurita (2003), p. 131, no. 256. 2. Ibid, p. 131. Kurita notes that moustaches have been found on both Buddha and bodhisattva images from the northern region of Gandhara. He reasons that many of the early sculptures of Buddha from the area were originally given moustaches, and that this feature was discontinued or painted in color on later works. |