Lion Capital
The lion capital is also known as the Ashoka pilled. The capital
was erected by Emperor Ashoka. Emperor Ashoka was the first sponsor of Buddhism as the state religion. As with other rulers, there is the question of whether he was truly a Buddhist or if he used the religion to support his rule. The capitals were found in Sarnath, India where the monastery is the sight of Buddhas first teaching. The capital once toped a 50 foot pillar of highly polished sandstone that was located on the grounds of the monastery.
The bottom of the capital has a cushion of downturned lotus petals. Above this cushion is a collar, or a registrar with four carved animals, a lion, a horse, a bull, and an elephant. Along with the four animals on this registrar there are four wheels called chakras. The lions standing at the top have a strong stance and highly stylized features such as the fore limbs, claws, and toothy muzzles create a super natural presence.
Taizokai
This piece is more commonly known as the Mandala of Womb World. This once was created on Kyoto, Japan. It is color on silk and measures 6 feet by 5 feet. A mandala is Hindu in origin and is a graphical depiction of a spiritual universe. This piece
consists of 12 sections or courts filled with 414 buddhas or bodhisattvas. A bodhisattvas is someone who has reached enlightenment and helps other reach enlightenment. The central court contains a central buddha figure with eight figures surrounding him. Right above the central court is a triangle that represents absolute wisdom and right below, there are five kings of wisdom. The whole piece is associated with ultimate principle.
Leave a Reply