What does it look like?

A life-size painted wooden sculpture of a Bodhisattva, seated in the position known as “royal ease”. The Bodhisattva is an enlightened and compassionate being, who postponed Buddhahood to help save others.

Several wooden parts are missing, including the figure’s right hand and forearm, right foot, the front of the left foot, the front of the left first finger, and the front edge of the lower garment. The sculpture has been decorated with several successive layers of polychromy, (paint and gilding), which now only appear in patches and are very worn. The eyes appear half closed, and are inlaid with polished glass or gemstones.

The sculpture is made from carved and filled wood, constructed from several pieces joined together, some of which are possibly repairs.

Who, what and where?

This figure was produced by an unknown sculptor in China. Judging from the material, it is likely from Shanxi province. It was produced and displayed in a temple, so believers could visit and worship it.

Why is it significant to the study of religion?

In early Indian Buddhism, the term bodhisattva was primarily used to refer specifically to Siddhata Gautama, known as the Buddha. He was born into a wealthy family over 2500 years ago but gave up this life after being moved by the suffering of the others and vowed to find the key to human happiness.

He spent six years learning from religious teachers and meditating. At that point, he had an experience in which he reached ‘enlightenment’, or the development of a deep understanding of the world. The word Buddha, comes from the word ‘budhi’, which means ‘to wake up’; the Buddha is often called the Awakened One. He did not claim that he was a god, the child of a god or a messenger from a god. He was a human being. Buddhists believe that by following his teachings, others can find the perfection he found.

More commonly, the term bodhisattva now refers to individuals, who could achieve Buddhahood, and escape rebirth, but who have returned to the world to help others achieve that status.

Statues of Buddhas or bodhisattvas are worshipped in temples or shrines at home. They help Buddhists focus on the teachings of Buddha and to show devotion, rather than worshipping him as a god.