SCULPTURE OF BANKED CLAY ROUNDED STATUES IN DAU PAGODA – BUT THAP PAGODA, BAC NINH PROVINCE

Abstract

In the treasure of traditional Vietnamese art, there are many unique art forms, in which the art of sculpting pagoda statues with expensive materials was quite popular in the 17th-19th centuries. The special thing about these Buddhist statues made from clay is that they are massive in size, majestic, diverse in types, unique in the visual arts, and the functions of the statues as well are clearly recognised. Experiencing many ups and downs of history, of natural and human factors, there are not many remaining clay statues. Nowadays, due to the development of society, with rich material life, more high-quality materials are used in making Buddhist statues, so the art of making clay statues gradually goes down in history.

However, the special aesthetic values of the clay Buddha statues are the unique heritages of the quintessence of traditional Vietnamese art. With the above-mentioned special artistic and traditional values, the preservation of the art of Buddhist clay sculptures is the responsibility of the Vietnamese people in general and of experts in particular. From the Structural-Artistic approach, the article provides additional research materials on art and culture, contributing to the preservation and promotion of this precious art form.