Prajnaparamita belongs to the central female figures of Mahayana Buddhism and embodies the “Perfection of Wisdom.”
The statue depicts Prajnaparamita seated in the lotus posture, padma asana. Her two inner hands rest in her lap in dhyana mudra, the gesture of meditation. The outer hands hold her characteristic attributes: in the left hand the book of wisdom, the Prajnaparamita Sutra, and in the right a vajra, symbolizing clarity and indestructibility. Prajnaparamita wears the crown and full adornment of a bodhisattva. Posture and gesture are arranged symmetrically, frontally, and in a balanced manner.
Garment and pedestal are designed with filigree. Fine wires are bent into spiral forms, filled with small arched elements, and assembled into patterns. Colored stones set accents within the ornament and form floral motifs. On the reverse of the lotus pedestal, a carved red lotus blossom is placed at the center, flanked by two smaller blossoms. The statue is also worked on the reverse and is intended for freestanding display.
The figure follows the traditional iconographic conventions of Buddhist art and refers to insight and understanding as central aspects of the depiction.
Prajnaparamita
copper statue, traditional lost-wax cast, decorated with fine filigree, silver- and gold-plated, accented with colored stones. The figure is patinated. The face is set in gold.
- Height: 9" / 23 cm
- Width: 7" / 17.5 cm
- Depth: 4" / 10.5 cm
- Weight: 2,082 g
NOTE
The facial painting is a cold gold application and water-soluble.