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.