Celestial Musician

Todai-ji Temple
Nara, Japan

This 8th century celestial flautist decorates one panel of the Octagonal Lantern in front of the Great Hall of the temple. The Bodhisattva - identified as such by the halo surrounding his head - stands upon two lotus blossoms as he plays a flute. The fullness of his face and body, and the graceful swirl of drapery, are influenced by Tang art. There is some awkwardness in the figure's contrapposto and the modeling of his left foot, but the overall effect is elegant and graceful.