Bodhisattva

thingiverse

A majestic bodhisattva sculpture from ancient China now sits serenely in the Musée du Cinquantenaire in Brussels, Belgium. Crafted with precision using Cassia wood around 1200 AD during the Jin Dynasty in Shanxi Province, this masterpiece showcases exceptional artistry and skill. The delicate features of the bodhisattva's face are made from rock crystal, adding an ethereal quality to the piece. As a symbol of enlightenment, the bodhisattva represents a being who has achieved spiritual liberation but chooses to delay entering nirvana in order to aid others on their own path to illumination. This selfless act is a testament to the bodhisattva's compassion and dedication to the well-being of all living beings. The intricately designed tiara adorning the bodhisattva's hair, the necklace resting upon her chest, and the flowing drapery at her waist are all deliberate references to the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. Originally part of a larger Buddha statue in a temple, this smaller sculpture now stands alone, yet its connection to its former counterpart remains strong. In its new home at the museum, the bodhisattva is displayed in an angle that mirrors how it was once seen by visitors in a Chinese sanctuary. This restoration allows viewers to appreciate the piece as it originally appeared, transporting them back in time to an era of profound spiritual devotion and artistic expression. For more updates on this remarkable sculpture and other fascinating stories from history, follow @GeoffreyMarchal on Twitter for the latest insights and discoveries.