Artwork
'Stele with Buddhist triad', China, 581-618 or later, 'Bodhisattva', Japan, 'Bowl', (origins unknown), 'Figure of Avalokiteshvara', Japanese, after statue in Horyuji Temple, early 20th century, 'Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kannon)', Japan, late 8th century, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection
'Stele with Buddhist triad', China, 581-618 or later, 'Bodhisattva', Japan, 'Bowl', (origins unknown), 'Figure of Avalokiteshvara', Japanese, after statue in Horyuji Temple, early 20th century, 'Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kannon)', Japan, late 8th century, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection is a photographic photography by Alvin Langdon Coburn. It dates from 1909 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Then there are three wooden statues: two tall ones with folded hands and one smaller figure, all dressed in robes.
This photo shows four objects on a shelf. On the left is a carved stone relief with a seated figure and smaller figures around it. Next to it is a round metal bowl. Then there are three wooden statues: two tall ones with folded hands and one smaller figure, all dressed in robes.
The photo itself was taken in 1909 by Alvin Langdon Coburn. The statues look like they’re from Buddhist traditions, with calm, serene poses.
Look up Victoria and Albert Museum to see more of their collection.
Overview
This photograph, taken in 1909 by Alvin Langdon Coburn, showcases a selection of objects from the Charles Lang Freer Collection. The image features four artifacts arranged on a shelf, representing various Asian cultures and traditions.
Subject & Meaning
The objects depicted include a Chinese stele with a Buddhist triad, a Japanese bowl, a figure of Avalokiteshvara inspired by a Horyuji Temple statue, and a late 8th-century Japanese Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. These artifacts reflect Buddhist themes and iconography.
Technique & Style
The photograph presents the objects in a straightforward manner, highlighting their textures and forms. The statues, likely carved from wood, display serene and contemplative poses characteristic of Buddhist art.
History & Provenance
The objects in the photograph date from various periods, with the Chinese stele attributed to 581-618 or later and the Japanese Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara to the late 8th century. The figure of Avalokiteshvara was created in the early 20th century, referencing an earlier statue.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alvin Langdon Coburn kept a tiny camera in every coat pocket, snapping odd angles of London’s streets while pretending to window-shop.
The British Lion
London: A Sphinx
On the Embankment
A Sphinx, The Embankment, London
Bust of Dionysus, Platon
After Meryon - Le Stryge
'Jar', Raqqa, Syria, 11th-12th century, 'Head and Bust (fragment) of a man', Egypt, ca. 1980-1630 BCE, face later recarved, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection
'Figure of Anubis', Egypt, 664-525 BCE, 'Resting', ca 1870-1873 by James McNeil Whistler and 'Figurine of the Goddess Neith', 664-525 BCE or later, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection
Bronze sculpture of standing figure of the Dipankara Buddha, V&A Museum
Cambodian bronze sculpture of Buddha head, ca. 13th century A.D., V&A Museum
Bronze Cambodian sculpture of Bodhisattva, ca. 13th century, A.D., V&A Museum, London
Anoku-Fu Sutra
Family of Monkeys
Buddha in Temple of Wat Leip, Bangkok
Untitled