Buddhist Art and Architecture
History of Art I
• Jocho, Buddha (Amida Nyorai), c. 1000 AD
• Siddartha Gautama, c. 500 BC
Eightfold Path
Iconography
An architecture of restraint
• The Great Stupa of Sanchi, c. 100 BC
Borobudur, Java, 800 ADLargest Buddhist monument in the world
• Symbolized Mount Meru, home of the gods in Indian mythology
Lava stone, dry construction
Mandala
• Eight levels to symbolize the eightfold path to enlightenment
Relief panels(Over 2,600 ring the monument)
• On the first tier, the causes of human suffering
Panels read clockwise; each tier begins and ends at the eastern gate
Tribhanga Pose
• Life of Siddartha Gautama panels
As you ascend the decoration becomes more simple (pure)
Literally elevated
• Phoenix Hall, Kyoto Japan, c. 1000 AD
• Jocho, Buddha (Amida Nyorai), c. 1000 AD
1) Location on “island”
2)The weightlessness of nirvana
Material? Construction?
Bracket set
3) The Phoenix
• Symbol of grace and virtue; only appears in areas blessed with peace and happiness.