Two figures of Sariputta and Moggallana

Qing dynasty, 18th-19th century

Gilt copper alloy

H9,2cm

Provenance: Collection from the late Belgian collector Robert Willocx (1932 - 2023), acquired from Marcel Nies, Antwerp, 19^th April 2000.

This delightful pair of monks represents Sariputta and Moggallana, the Buddha’s two chief disciples. They are always shown as a pair flanking the Buddha, with the Buddha in the centre. Both stand barefoot on a rectangular base, clad in monastic robes that fall in rhythmic folds. With the right hand they hold a myrobalan fruit, used in the ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory, and in the left hand a begging bowl. Their long robes bordered with a floral design fall with elegant pleats along their body. Their symmetrical postures convey calm wisdom.

Even though their postures and robes are almost identical, their facial features are distinct. Sariputta always seated at the right side of the Buddha, with his wrinkled face and serious expression, represents wisdom and the knowledge of the Dharma.  Moggallana on the left side, with a youthful face, represents energy, meditation and intuitive insight. He was also gifted with supernatural powers. When devotees encountered this triad in temples or shrines, they were reminded not only of the Buddha’s centrality but also of the complementary paths of deep reasoning and intuitive realization. 

The modelling of the robes and naturalistic rendering of the faces, hands and feet reflect the metalwork tradition of Qing Buddhist sculpture. The details in the robe patterning and the gilding show Tibetan stylistic influence.

These small devotional figures would probably have been placed on a household altar or within a monastery.