#qingbai

Detail of a Qingbai-glazed seated Buddha (porcelain, Yuan dynasty 1279-1368)

Qingbai-glazed seated Buddha (porcelain, Yuan dynasty 1279-1368)

This slender figure sits in padmasana (also known as the lotus position) with each foot resting on the opposite knee, sole upwards. The Buddha’s back is straight, and his right hand is held in front of his chest in the vitarka mudra, which symbolises intellectual discussion, while the ring formed by the forefinger and thumb signifies the wheel of law. The Buddha’s left hand rests gently in his lap in the gyan mudra, which is sometimes called the mudra of knowledge. In accordance with the 32 lakshanas (special bodily features of the Buddha), the figure has an urna in the centre of his forehead (symbolising spiritual insight) and an usnisha on the top of his head (symbolising the attainment of enlightenment). He also has elongated ear-lobes, reflecting the fact that the Buddha was formerly a prince who wore heavy jewellery.

Buddha statue China, Yuan dynasty (1279-1368) Qingbai ware, height 37cm