Monday 4 January 2010

Happy New Year




I've been saving for now this ancient Chinese buddha that I photographed last May in the Shanghai Art Museum. Buddhist and Christian iconographies are so different in general, so I was surprised and moved by this carving which reminded me of nothing so much as a romanesque madonna flanked by saints. So here s/he is - a sweet, timeless interfaith symbol of goodwill for the new year.

11 comments:

Tamar said...

Happy New Year, Jean. What a beautiful, beautiful Buddha. Did I ever tell you that i collect Buddhas. Gee, I would love this one - I would probably place her/him in my garden somewhere where the ferns grow and near the bird bath!

Pica said...

Thanks Jean. Happy New Year to you too. It's a beautiful photo.

marja-leena said...

How lovely indeed, thank you! A peaceful and creative New Year to you, Jean.

leslee said...

Happy New Year, Jean. Lovely photo. Wishing you much serenity and creativity in the new year.

Zhoen said...

The lovely ambiguity. Warm new year, as the season tightens it's grip.

litlove said...

Happy New Year to you, dear Jean! May it be full of peace and productivity.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year. Wonderful photo. Peace and love--yes yes yes.

Beth said...

Thank you, Jean! What a calm and beautiful way to begin the year. (My word verification for this comment is "bless"!)

kurt said...

May this be a wonderful year for you, Jean! Thank you for this photograph.

Fire Bird said...

Good times in 2010, Jean, and thanks for the lovely Buddha...

Lucy said...

So lovely. Not all Buddhist iconography touches me, but this is rather special.

Happy New Year to you.