Buddha sculpture. China, 19th century

Sculpture of Buddha. China, 19th century.
Jade.
Measurements: 21 x 11 x 7 cm; 22,5 x 12,5 x 8 cm (base).
This representation of Buddha refers to an episode in his life, when he was meditating next to a fig tree and was punished by a storm of strong wind and rain. At this moment, a compassionate Naga coiled seven times around him and spread its seven heads over him, like a roof (the Nagas belong to the mythologies of Hindustan. They are snakes, but often assume human form). The Buddha converted him to his faith.
Jade is the type of hard stone most used and appreciated in China since the Neolithic period for sculptures. It is a material highly prized for its hardness, its strength, its delicate shades, ranging from green to pure white, and its translucent quality. During the Han dynasty, for example, members of the high aristocracy and royalty were buried in jade receptacles, which were believed to preserve body and soul for eternity. Jade also had various uses in medicine and alchemy.