Buddhist Imagery
Unarguably, Buddhism has stimulated some of the most appealing artistic pieces in the world, most especially in form of images and statues. Buddhism has manifested itself visually in the Asian region particularly, Japan, China, and India[1]. Japanese images without the Buddhist inspiration of the sculptural drawing would have been denied not only its intensity but also most of the technical versatility as well as mystical enthusiasm which is termed to be the source of artistic evolution in the region. It is believed that the original Buddha image was introduced when Buddha was alive. Thus, these academics oppose that the conventional trends originated from there but the use of medium, clay, and wood in the creation of the images was unable to survive the course of time due to their perishable nature. Buddhism patented in India and traveled through China to Japan and its influence culturally and in art is evident[2]. This report will be comparing a Chinese Buddha and Japanese Buddha images which are Tian Tan Buddha and Ushiku Daibutsu respectively.
To begin with, there are several artistic aspects that are common amid the Chinese and Japanese Buddha images that are mainly inspired by the Buddhism spiritual enthusiasm[3]. The Tian Tan Buddha which is widely acknowledged as the Big Buddha statue is situated in Lantau Island, in Hong Kong China[4]. The statute was finalized in the year 1993 which is particularly comprised of bronze as the main material which its main significance is to bridge the gap amid man and nature. This image is a major symbolism of the harmony that exists between an individual, belief, and nature.[5] The image creates a serenity posture as the right hand of the Buddha is raised up thus eliminating disorder. By the left arm comfortably lying on his knee this is a major representation of delight. In addition, the image is created from the use of bronze rather than focusing on clay and other traditional art materials as a depiction of modernity. The statue consumed more than 12 years in the planning and construction and the bronze material best illustrates the steadiness of Hong Kong, the growth of China as a nation and the existing peace on the global context[6]. All the feature in the image holds a high degree of symbolic meaning which contains as religious relevance and importance. This image shows the role of Buddhism which is to spread the actual truth to everyone in regard to being kind and compassionate both to others and nature.
On the other hand, Ushiku Daibutsu remains to be amongst one of the greatest Buddha statues in Japan[7]. This image was mainly finished in the year 1933 having taken over three comprehensive decades of building through the utilization of conventional copper strategies. The initial statue had been created in 1745 which was mainly made of wood and covered with a gold coat[8]. The image was however destroyed by fire and since it has been made using wood the statue was completely damaged. This led to the recommendation of replacing the statue while using fire resisting resources. Copper was selected to be the main material based on its long life which was drawn from the fact that more than 90 percent of the temple assets which were mainly built from copper such as bells were produced locally and had been in existence for the longest period[9]. This remains to be an appealing and unforgettable art that was made by the local craftsmen from a molded painting.
The images are similar and yet different with respect to some features. In that, for the Takaoka Daibutsu, the material used is copper while that of Tian Tan is bronze. These materials were used for different reasons being to represent prosperity and to withstand the challenges of natural calamities. Both of them are however aimed at sending a spiritual message to the public which is creating a connection with Buddhism[10]. The Chinese influence in Japanese art is evident based on the ground that the depiction of the human body is one that is religiously based on some unique characteristics. The unique Chinese art appears where the achievement of a perfect art comes from the comprehensive design of an image with more message and comprehensive assembling. On the other hand the images mainly differs on the features since as one expresses a happy feeling that is derived from contentment acquired from the prosperity and harmony of the surrounding the other one is more spiritual which portrays the significance of religion and particularly Buddhism, both of them hold a rather calm color that is not bright but blends well with the surrounding. the fact that Ushiku Daibutsu was initially made from wood best illustrates that the Buddhist art from both states was traditionally similar as they mainly used the same materials which were not only easy to source but also assemble at convenience but not long lasting as the modern ones.
References
Fenollosa, Ernest. 2007. Epochs of Chinese and Japanese art: an outline history of East Asiatic design. Berkeley, Calif: Stone Bridge Press. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10271910.
Hida. Takaoka Daibutsu (Great Image of Buddha). N.D. Retrieved from http://www.hida.jp/english/activities/area-attractions/takaoka-daibutsu
PLM. 2010. Building the Big Buddha. Po Lin Monastery. Retrieved from https://www.plm.org.hk/eng/buddha.phpTop of Form
Bottom of Form
[1] Fenollosa, Ernest. 2007. Epochs of Chinese and Japanese art: an outline history of East Asiatic design. Berkeley, Calif: Stone Bridge Press.
[2] Fenollosa, Ernest. 2007. Epochs of Chinese and Japanese art: an outline history of East Asiatic design. Berkeley, Calif: Stone Bridge Press.
[3] PLM. 2010. Building the Big Buddha. Po Lin Monastery.
[4] PLM. 2010. Building the Big Buddha. Po Lin Monastery.
[5] PLM. 2010. Building the Big Buddha. Po Lin Monastery.
[6] PLM. 2010. Building the Big Buddha. Po Lin Monastery.
[7] Hida. Takaoka Daibutsu (Great Image of Buddha). N.D
[8] Hida. Takaoka Daibutsu (Great Image of Buddha). N.D
[9] Hida. Takaoka Daibutsu (Great Image of Buddha). N.D.
[10] Hida. Takaoka Daibutsu (Great Image of Buddha). N.D
