Wonder how many visits it would take if one had to cover all of 4.5
million items in London's Victoria and Albert Musueum, world's greatest
museum of art and design. No idea why we did not end up going before,
but rains made us drop in for a quick visit recently.
There was so much to drive you crazy, its practically impossible
to put it down in a blog, though I am sure a few more posts will follow
after a couple of visits. But, seriously if you cannot go personally,
then the V & A website truly warrants a visit if art and design is your cuppa tea.
Meanwhile, filling this one with some of what has always held a special place in my heat ..Buddha art ...
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Bhumisparsa - the pose just before enlightenment
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| Abhaya (fear not) - Buddha in a reassrin pose |
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Elongated ears
One feature that is regularly used but is not considered a
Lakshana is showing the Buddha with elongated earlobes: these are to remind us
that the Buddha was once a prince who wore a great deal of jewellery including
heavy earrings which stretched out his earlobes. Although he gave up the wearing
of any jewellery when he gave up his life of luxury, his earlobes remained
elongated.
The Wheel of Law
The Wheel of Law can sometimes be found marked on the soles of
the Buddha's feet and the palms of his hand. It has eight spokes to remind
followers that the Buddha taught of the Noble Eightfold Path which outlined
eight ways of living. The Wheel itself is a reminder of the cycle of birth,
death and rebirth.
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| Varada - symbolising giving and generosity |
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| Goddess Tara from Tibet |
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| Stone carvings of Buddha - his birth, departing to the forest and his death. On the right - in meditation |
And some more -
Snuff boxes, antique clock, silica eagle..and my lil boy there checking out stuff :)
And in the same vein some buddhas in my home, including one of my sketches :)
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