Saraswati (copy in the style of Chöying Dorje)
  See it in the Museum
Chapel
Orientation 5
Display 10

ABS 204

 Code: ABS 204

  Country: China

  Style:

  Date: 2000 - 2100

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 4.1 x 5.7 x 3.6

  Materials: Brass

Saraswati – Goddess of arts, music and eloquence

Seated legs uncrossed on a lotus pedestal in a rocky landscape, the goddess performs the gesture of generosity with her right extended hand and holds a white lotus flower in the left. Young and handsome, her hair tied in a large bun hanging to her left, she is clad in a pleated garment uncovering her breast. Four attendants surround her: two presenting flasks and two playing drums. A pair of nagas in human form kneels before her, their hands joined in devotion.

Initially a Vedic goddess, personification of an Indian river, Saraswati was later incorporated in the Buddhist pantheon as the goddess of knowledge, arts, music, and eloquence. Consort of wisdom bodhisattva Mañjushri, she represents consciousness and intelligence, successful communication and both worldly and spiritual education leading to liberation.

This portrait is a modern copy reproducing the style of the Karmapa 10 Chöying Dorje (1604-1674). A renowned painter and sculptor, his distinctive style is characterised by a great originality and an unorthodox iconography, strongly influenced by Kashmiri and Chinese traditions.