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 The Gold Lacquered Agarwood Carving of Skanda
Bodhisattva is deftly carved out of an intact piece of agarwood and carries characteristics of a gold lacquered technique in a style exclusive to the Ming
Emperors. The finest carving techniques are displayed
through deep and exquisite lines, which bring alive a
dashing hero. Holding a muni pearl instead of a Vajra
as in his conventional image, this statue of Skanda
Bodhisattva is rare, one-of-a-kind and thus most
precious. His full armour, including the headgear and
war boots, as well as his radiant eyes give him manly
dignity, which is comfortably moderated by a gentle,
smiling demeanour. Skanda Bodhisattva is a heavenly
protector of the dharma in Buddhism. Legend
suggests that when Sakyamuni entered nirvana,
evil demons rose to rob his relics, and Skanda was
named a Dharma-Protecting Bodhisattva after seizing
them back. Since the Song Dynasty, his statues have
been commonly enshrined in temples to protect
Buddha and keep away evil spirits. |
