An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Basin with Inscribed Figures and Calligraphy1100s–1200s
This bronze basin may have been used for containing purified water. What makes this work charming is its intricate decoration done in silver inlay: the five-character, four-line poems interspersed among images of a child. The poems, which evoke the concept of nonattachment and nonduality, were written by Buddhist monks.
A child, one of the main decorative elements for this basin, is possibly a young Buddhist pilgrim named Sudhana, who took a long spiritual journey to search for enlightenment.
bronze
Overall: 17 cm (6 11/16 in.); Diameter of mouth with rim: 21.7 cm (8 9/16 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
In a serene corner of a sunlit temple, a bronze basin gleams, its surface smooth and cool to the touch. This exquisite artifact, likely crafted for holding purified water, stands as a reminder of both peace and contemplation. Its charm, however, lies not just in its utilitarian purpose but in the intricate dance of artistry that adorns it.
Delicately etched into its bronze exterior is a tapestry of silver inlay, shimmering like the morning dew. This exquisite decoration includes five-character, four-line poems that float gracefully across the surface, their meanings whispered softly through the ages. The words, penned by wise Buddhist monks, carry deep reflections on nonattachment and nonduality, inviting those who gaze upon them to ponder their significance.
Amidst these poetic lines, a playful child appears, captured forever in the fleeting moment of laughter. The child's figure intertwines with the words, blending innocence with wisdom—a reminder that the essence of life is found in the simple and joyful moments. The basin, thus, becomes more than just a vessel; it transforms into a sacred space where art, poetry, and spiritual contemplation converge.
As light dances upon its surface, one can almost hear the gentle murmur of ancient voices—encouraging reflections on the nature of existence and the joy of being present, urging us to embrace the present while letting go of the burdens we carry. This bronze basin, with its delicate detail and profound meaning, invites us into a world where beauty and wisdom intertwine, urging us to resonate deeply with the stories it tells.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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