Item: Kshitigarbha - (Bodhisattva)
| Origin Location | China |
|---|---|
| Date Range | 1500 - 1599 |
| Lineages | Buddhist |
| Size | 32.39cm (12.75in) high |
| Material | Bronze |
| Collection | Rubin Museum of Art |
| Catalogue # | acc.# F1997.12.4 |
Classification: Deity
Appearance: Peaceful
Gender: Male
Kshitigarbha, Bodhisattva (Tibetan: sai nying po. English: the Essence of the Earth): one of the eight principal Mahayana students, or 'heart sons,' of the Buddha Shakyamuni.
The 'Eight Heart Sons,' including such notables as Manjushri and Avalokiteshvara, figure prominantly in the various Mahayana Sutras of Northern Buddhism. Kshitigarbha is particularly associated with bringing help and comfort to those in the underworld realm of hell beings.
The sculpture is identified as Kshitigarbha by a name inscription written on the back of the base. It is most likely that this sculpture belongs to a set depicting the Eight Bodhisattvas along with a center piece portraying either Shakyamuni or Amitabha Buddha.
Jeff Watt 7-2003
Sculpture: Metal
Collection of Rubin Museum of Art: Sculpture (Gallery 1)
Buddhist Deity: Bodhisattva (Masterworks)
Buddhist Deity: Kshitigarbha (Bodhisattva) Main Page
Buddhist Figure: Bodhisattva Sculptural Forms (Non-iconic)