South Asian Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

South Asian Art - Essay Example As with other figures of Buddha, The Head of Buddha features lakshanas to portray that he is the Enlightened One. The Buddha's bulge on his head signifies his "transcendent knowledge" and excellent mental capacity. It should also be noted that Buddha has long empty ears as he formerly wore big, heavy goal earrings as a prince. However, as he accepted pain and suffering, he took off his power and riches including his royal garment and earrings to be freed from material wealth (Kossak and Watts 27). The Head of Buddha's gesture also shows one important quality of Buddha. We can see that the eyes of Buddha are half-closed signifying that he is very peaceful and quiet. The artist used this gesture to depict this deep contentment in life. The figure shows the image of another reincarnation of the Great Goddess Devi. In Hindu mythology, Parvati is the reincarnation of Sita who killed herself "because of an insult to her husband" (Kossak & Watts 30). Parvati's image in the sculpture, both in shape and in gesture, symbolizes what she came here for-"lure the mourning Shiva to other marriage" (Kossak & Watts 30). Parvati is depicted as very alluring with huge breasts and small waist. Parvati, thus, became a symbol for "fertility, marital felicity, devotion to spouse, asceticism, and power" (Parvati 2).