Chinese Framed Porcelain Buddhist Temple Plaque, Nagesvara-Raja Buddha

Description

Chinese framed porcelain Buddhist temple plaque, Nagesvara-raja Buddha, a finely carved and detailed depiction of the Buddha sitting in rajalalitasana, … more Chinese framed porcelain Buddhist temple plaque, Nagesvara-raja Buddha, a finely carved and detailed depiction of the Buddha sitting in rajalalitasana, with a halo of Seven Nagas, dharmachakra symbols on his feet, both hands in Kubera Mudra and wearing a robe decorated with lotus flowers. The lotus throne is floating on peaceful waters. The signature of the artist, "Minister Ding Guanpeng, respectfully, painting" with two red seal marks is at the lower right, and the name of the Buddha, "Nagesvara-raja Buddha" is engraved on the right just beneath the Heart Sutra, carved in gold Kaishu script at the top.
All finely carved and detailed in a gold glaze on a blue glazed ground, in the original, finely carved, traditional, heavy, Chinese hongmu frame with original Chinese bronze hanger. The back is intact and removable. Circa Republic of China era or earlier.

site size: 30.875" high x 16.25" wide


Kubera Mudra: This mudra is practiced to accomplish future goals that a practitioner wants to achieve or desires. On practicing Kubera Mudra, the practitioner harnesses the power of their thoughts. It's performed by joining the tip of the index, middle, and thumb while bending the remaining two fingers to the palm.

Seven Nagas: Originated from the Himalayas, they bring peace and prosperity to humans. They control the seven oceans and seven mountains. They sheltered Gautama Buddha for 7 days and 7 nights (Mucalinda). Often depicted as guardian statues, carved as balustrades on causeways leading to main temples, such as those found in Angkor Wat. They also represent the seven races within Naga society, which has a mythological, or symbolic, association with "the seven colors of the rainbow." They symbolize the Sun, the Moon and five other planets.

Nagesvara-raja Buddha: Appearing in the classic form of a 'renounced one,' a nirmanakaya buddha, in the aspect of a monk, Nagaraja has one face and two hands, seated in vajra posture with the right leg over left. His face is white and his body is blue (note the use of the deep blue ground of this plaque).
Nagaraja Buddha has a special relationship with the naga serpents and spirits of the waterways, oceans, lakes and the under world. For this reason he is especially worshiped and practiced when diseases believed to be caused by nagas arise. He is also a member of the Thirty-five Confession Buddhas. less