Figure of Buddha

Art Historical Context

This exquisite *Figure of Buddha*, carved in the 18th century by an unknown Chinese artist, stands just 4 3/4 inches tall, making it a intimate treasure for personal devotion. Crafted from lapisuli—a rare, deep-blue semiprecious stone prized in Asia for its celestial hue—this hardstone sculpture exemplifies the refined artistry of Qing dynasty China. The choice of lapis lazuli, often imported from afar and associated with purity and the divine, elevates the figure beyond ordinary devotional objects, symbolizing enlightenment and spiritual serenity. The meticulous carving techniques reveal the sculptor's mastery: fine details in the Buddha's serene face, flowing robes, and meditative posture were achieved on such a diminutive scale, demanding exceptional precision and patience. Hardstone carvings like this were labor-intensive luxury items, reserved for the elite or devout patrons. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art Department as part of The Theodore M. Davis Collection (bequeathed in 1915), this piece reflects China's enduring Buddhist tradition, blending indigenous craftsmanship with religious iconography. Visitors are invited to marvel at how such a small object encapsulates centuries of cultural reverence for the Buddha's teachings.