Arhat
Bhadra (T. Sangpo) was born in Kapilavastu, the native land
of the Buddha Shakyamuni and is referred to as a cousin of
the Buddha. He is represented in Chinese bronzes as far back
as the 15th century, when the Ming Dynasty emperor of the
Yongle period (1403--1425) contributed personally to the development
of the imperial workshop. Bronzes from that workshop established
a geometric simplicity that influences even this 20thcentury
work. In this fine casting, in which the dark patina of face,
hands and feet contrast handsomely with the polished metal
of the robes, Arhat Bhadra is seated in full lotus posture
deep in meditation, dressed in a long dhoti tied below the
chest in a bow and outer robes with embroidered edges falling
in graceful folds. He is depicted in the kanjo-in mudra, which
is used in a ceremony of unction affirming that the aspirant
has accomplished a given step toward bodhi and hence is further
engaged on the path toward supreme enlightenment. With this
gesture the spiritual master “bestows” upon the celebrant
the Buddha’s great mercy, enabling him to obtain the highest
perfect Enlightenment.
The
statue work captures the nobility of the master, its subject;
the black finish and crisply carved features are reminiscent
of Gandharan style. The curling locks around the head, and
the curling beard are characteristics usually depicted, as
is the swelling usnisha.