Limestone is one of the materials used for making Buddhist sculptures in countries like India, Japan, Korea and China. Limestone is formed in a marine surrounding out of the precipitation of calcium carbonate where the calcium is brought into the sea through the hydrological cycle. The different types of limestone include Carboniferous Limestone, Jurassic Limestone and Cretaceous Limestone. These three are special types that are found Britain. The other types of limestone used to make sculptures of Buddha are oolitic limestone and travertine. Limestone is usually gray in color but may come also be available in shades of tan, white, black, pink and more.
Popular Buddha Sculpture made of Limestone
Some of the fine examples of Buddha sculpture made of Limestone are the ones found in the Pindaya Caves, high on a mountain side. The Buddha images here have been carved out of limestone rock. The Buddha images of the Pindaya Caves are a great masterpiece of Burman sculpture that was created in the 18th Century. The other Limestone Buddhist sculptures include Dark Limestone head of Buddha, Tang dynasty, (618-907) and Limestone Buddhist stele China, Northern Qi dynasty, (550 – 577).
Description of Limestone Buddhist Sculptures
The Dark Limestone head of Buddha, Tang dynasty, (618-907) is an outstanding work of Buddha art made of Limestone. The head of Buddha is carved in high relief, with half-close eyes, under arched brows leading to an extended straight nose, with a chiseled curl around each nostril. The lips of this Buddha sculpture bear a hint of a smile, over the rounded cleft chin. The Limestone Buddhist stele China, Northern Qi dynasty, (550 – 577) is Buddha sculpture made of limestone and depicted as being flanked on his left by a Bodhisattva.
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This Buddha sculpture is shown standing on a rounded base, which finishes off in a pointed end. The Bodhisattva is of somewhat of smaller size compared to the Buddha statue and is draped in layered sheer robes tied into knots in the middle. The face of Buddha has a kind and compassionate expression with eyes that are heavy-lidded and a mouth pursed.
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