Musical Bodhisattva

Stone Figure

Flying Bodhisattva, playing an instrument. Artfully arranged out of speckled marmor stone.

Object ID
Tang_013

Age
Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 AD)

Material
Stone

Color
white – grey – brown

Length
20.5 cm

Depth
10.9 cm

Height (tail)
17.5 cm

Height (head)
14.5 cm

Condition
good

Price
on request

Description

The Tang Dynasty is the most fascinating era of music history in China. The imperial ceremonies revitalized the ancient orchestras of bells, flutes, drums and zithers, plus large band of courtly dancers. [1]

Therefore, artifacts with different kind of musicians came into existence. This Bodhisattva is made of grey-white speckled marble. He wears a long dress with interesting folds and is floating horizontally. Each of the feet protrudes the garment, the one above the bent knee, the other through the dress raised like wings.  The head has the shape of a Bodhisattva. The face is characterized by high eyebrows and a little slanted eyes, a mouth, a low forehead and long earlobs. Then follows the typical hairstyle with carefully combed hair, a hair band and a high hair bun. The back is unprocessed and has an opening.
The Bodhisattva entirely appears like a celestial musical creature blowing into a wind instrument, probably using the material of bamboo. Instrument and feet are at the same hight symbolizing the harmony between floating and making music. Bamboo is a sign for flexibility, resistance and long life. Above that, wind instruments have a long history and had been discovered in China thousands of years ago. They were often seen in connection between magic and rites. (HV)

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[1] Malar, William P.: Chinese Music. Tang Dynasty (7th-10th century). https://www.britannica.com/art/Chinese-music/Tang-dynasty-7th-10th-century. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (checked: 2024-06-17).