Asia Society Home Asia Society Home
< previous  3 of 4  next >
enlarge image map of region
related objects additional views
HIMALAYAN OBJECTS FROM THE COLLECTION
NEPAL
Buddhist Painting from India, Nepal, and Tibet
Sculpture from Nepal
KASHMIR
Sculpture from Kashmir
TIBET
Buddhist Painting from India, Nepal, and Tibet
Sculpture from Tibet
Crowned Buddha Shakyamuni
Kashmir or northern Pakistan; 8th century
Brass with inlays of copper, silver, and zinc
H. 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm)
Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art
1979.044
In this elaborate image, the Buddha, his hands in the gesture of teaching, is seated on a lotus that rises from water inhabited by serpent deities (nagas). The distinctive costume worn by the Buddha suggests that the sculpture depicts the consecration of Shakyamuni as king of the Tushita Pure Land, the abode of all Buddhas before their final rebirth on earth. The five-pointed crown, the three-pointed cape tied at the back with strings, and the unusual floral decorations on the shoulders of the Buddha have been identified as primary elements identifying this scene. On the right and left of the base are figures which probably represent the donors of the image, Sankarasena, a government official, and Princess Devashriya, and their attendants.

Inscription
The inscription has been translated as: This is the pious gift of the devout Sankarasena, the great lord of the elephant brigade, and of the pure-minded and pious Devashriya, made in the second day of Vaishakha in the year 3.

Home |  South Asia |  Himalaya |  Southeast Asia |  China & Mongolia |  Korea |  Japan
Treasures |  Guided Tour |  Timeline |  Search
About the Asia Society | The Rockefellers and the Asia Society | Site Map
Credits | ©Copyright 2007 Asia Society