Object Details
Label
The historical Buddha Shakyamuni (sage of the Lion Clan) lived and taught in northern India from approximately 480 – 400 bce. Seated Shakyamuni images are characteristically represented with the left hand holding a begging bowl and the right hand lowered in the earth-touching gesture that signifies the moment of enlightenment.
This Buddha has a long torso and a slender face with high, arched brows and sinuously curved eyes; the folds of his heavy garment are unusual and the small begging bowl in his left hand appears to be original.
Inscribed in Chinese, Tibetan, Manchu and Mongolian, the image is dated to the Qianlong period (1735-96). It was probably crafted at Dolonnor or Beijing (the two great workshops of Buddhist imagery at this time in China); the four languages of the inscription further suggest an imperial workshop. The inscription has not yet been satisfactorily translated but it may identify the Budddha as Bhadashri, one of the thirty-five Buddhas of Compassion.
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Exhibition History
The Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room (March 12, 2022 - ongoing)
Encountering the Buddha: Art and Practice Across Asia (October 14, 2017 to February 6, 2022)
The Tibetan Shrine from the Alice S. Kandell Collection (March 13, 2010 to November 27, 2016)
Credit Line
The Alice S. Kandell Collection
Date
1735-1796
Period
Qing dynasty, Qianlong reign
Accession Number
S2015.28.6a-b
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Sculpture
Medium
Gilded copper alloy with traces of pigment
Dimensions
H x W: 32 x 20.5 x 17 cm (12 5/8 x 8 1/16 x 6 11/16 in)
Origin
Mongolia
On View
East Building (Arthur M. Sackler Gallery), Gallery 26a: The Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room
See more items in
National Museum of Asian Art
Data Source
National Museum of Asian Art
Topic
metal
Buddhism
Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911)
Qianlong reign (1736 - 1796)
Mongolia
South Asian and Himalayan Art
Shakyamuni Buddha
Link to Original Record
Record ID
fsg_S2015.28.6a-b