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15. Prajnaparamita Cambodia, Bayon 2nd half 12th c. bronze, cast in the lost wax method height 47 cm. |
Prajnaparamita is one of the most important female Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism. An actual creator of the universe, she attained enlightenment and dedicated herself to guiding all mankind to the true path of Buddha, leading to Nirvana. This goddess of transcendental wisdom is distinguished by the blue lotus she holds in each hand. The principal divinity of the Ta Prohm temple was Sri Jayarajacudamani, a manifestation of both the king’s mother and Prajnaparamita, the personification of wisdom and mystic mother of all Buddhas. Portrayed in a standing posture on a separately made rectangular double lotus pedestal the goddess holds in each hand an utpala, a blue lotus, which symbolizes purity and spiritual elevation. The diadem worn in front of the conical shaped headdress is decorated with a row of stylized lotuses. Prajnaparamita is adorned with ear-ornaments, an elaborate necklace and bracelets and attired in a fine skirt which is folded over a belt hung with numerous pendants and ornamented with a row of opened flowers. A third eye (urna), the sign of a great being, appears on her forehead. 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, Avalokitèsvara and Prajnaparamita to be set up in sanctuaries throughout the empire. As the king identified himself not only with the Buddha but also with Avalokitèsvara, 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 and realistically rendered countenance recalls the portraits of the king himself. This large image of Prajnaparamita is a fine piece of Khmer bronze casting. Its creator has allied deft and graceful modelling with lively imagination. Set in a frontal and convincing stance on a lotus throne, her hands assume a beautiful position, slightly raised, and out-turned, enhancing the elegance of this goddess of wisdom. The deep natural greenish patina complements this classic Bayon bronze. Art Loss Register Certificate, Reference S00003912. 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. P. Krairiksh, Khmer Bronzes. A Selection from the Suan Phka Tevoda Collection, Lugano, Switzerland, 1982, p.70, n°4. Cambodia, Prajnaparamita, Late 12th century, height 34,8 cm. K. Samen, Preah Nèang Tévi, Collections du Musée National Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, 2005, p. 115, fig. 47, Prajnaparamita, Bayon, height 9.8 cm. |