Seated Bodhisattva
Unknown, 8th century
About this artwork
Behold the *Seated Bodhisattva a serene 8th-century masterpiece from the Art Institute of's Arts of Asia collection. Carved with a wood core and clad in dry lacquer—a sophisticated technique where layers of lacquer are applied over a removable mold—this sculpture stands at 61 × 43.2 × 32.3 cm. Faint traces of gold leaf at its original opulent sheen, evoking the divine glow of enlightenment. Crafted during Japan's Nara period (710–794), when Buddhism flourished under imperial patronage, this work exemplifies the era's devotional art. Dry lacquer (known as *kanshitsu* in Japanese) allowed artisans to achieve remarkable lightness, durability, and intricate detailing, from flowing robes to a meditative posture symbolizing compassion and wisdom. Bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who vow to aid all sentient creatures, were central to Mahayana Buddhism, adorning temples like Todai-ji. This anonymous sculptor's skill captures spiritual tranquility, inviting contemplation. Its survival through centuries underscores the enduring cultural reverence for Buddhist icons in East Asia, bridging ancient devotion with modern admiration.