Object: Statuette

E/1955/18/18
Ivory Carving of Buddha
Dynastic China
ca. Qing Dynasty 1644-1949
Materials: ivory, red stain

This object is a small, carved statuette of Buddha. It came from dynastic China and was collected sometime during the Qing Dynasty between 1644 and 1949. It is probably carved from elephant ivory. The figure depicts Buddha seated on lotus petals, holding a small ball in his left hand. This object has also been stained red. Ever since China was introduced to Buddhism by way of India during the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD), the depiction of Buddha has become a major theme in Chinese art.

The elements of the statue and the Buddha figure can be linked to Buddhist beliefs. The main focus of Buddhism is to rid oneself of desire, which can lead to suffering, and become an enlightened person of the world. The ivory figure reflects this as the dot on the statue’s head represents wisdom and all-seeing power. The figure is positioned on lotus petals. Lotus flowers are a symbol of things that are pure and good because they grow out of water and mud to become beautiful pink flowers. Buddhist beliefs suggest that Buddhist followers, like lotus flowers, can rise above ugliness to achieve enlightenment. The figure is depicted in a meditative stance. In Buddhism, the way for followers to achieve enlightenment is to pray and meditate. [Brittany Teel]

Object: Cartonnage Fragment

C/1956/8/1
Fragment of a mummy cartonnage
Egyptian
18th dynasty (1570-1314 BCE)
Materials: linen or papyrus

This object is a multi-colored fragment of a mummy cartonnage possibly from the 18th Dynasty. Cartonnage was used for personal funerary ornaments such as mummy masks. The masks would cover the head, shoulders, and upper chest of the mummy to protect the face of the deceased. This particular piece was likely from the chest portion of a cartonnage mummy mask.

Cartonnage was made from thin, layered pieces of linen or papyrus. Once a shape had begun to form one side was coated with gesso (a mixture of glue and whiting plaster) to harden the shape. This coating allowed the maker to use detailed paint or gold leafing on the front side.

Each individual had their own design for their mask. Usually, the design would indicate something about the deceased. For instance, the mask may have been a representation of what the person looked like or enjoyed doing. An example of a gilded mummy mask can be seen at the British Museum.

[Brittany Teel]

Object: Kantharos

C/1958/1/5
Replica, Kantharos with wreaths, fillets, thyrsi
Hildesheim Germany
Roman
ca. 100 CE
Materials: silver

This object is a replica of a silver kantharos found in Germany in 1868. The original was a part of a large treasure of about 50 silver pieces found by Prussian soldiers in Hildesheim, Germany. Now known as the Hildesheim Treasure, there are numerous replicas in museums. The reason such a large amount of Roman silver was buried outside of Roman territory is unclear. Many scholars have attributed the objects to a Roman general who may have buried the treasure to keep it safe. Also, dating the pieces is difficult but many are thought to date back to the 1st century C.E.

Named for its shape, the kantharos has two handles on each side. The design on the piece depicts Dionysus, who was the Greek god of wine. The design also incorporates masks, grapevines, and lion decorations, typical of items associated the cult of Dionysus. Before World War II, the original pieces of silver are in Berlin. Replicas such as this one allow students and scholars to study pieces of art that are located in far away places or no longer exist.

[Brittany Teel]