Figure of Ananda

Red sandstone

China

8th century CE

A large sandstone figure of a Buddhist disciple. Carved in the round he is probably the youthful monk Ananda, identifiable by his monastic robes and his lean to the right.

Hands folded over his stomach, his right clutching a Japamala of prayer beads representing the Luohans. 

The style of clothing dates to the 7 th -10 th centuries. It is the Chinese interpretation of Indian religious dress; made up of a large rectangular shawl (Uttarasanga). This predated the 8th century Chinese introduction of a intermediate garment, called a Sanghati crossing over the chest for greater warmth.

Tang Dynasty 618-907.

Height 64 cm. With steel stand 73 cm.

Probably Shanxi province..