Prajnaparamita, Buddha Shakyamuni, and Lokeshvara
Artist/maker unknown, Nepalese
Geography:
Made in Nepal, Asia
Date:
c. 16th centuryMedium:
Stone with traces of ritual powder accretionsDimensions:
4 1/2 × 7 3/4 × 1 1/8 inches (11.4 × 19.7 × 2.9 cm)Curatorial Department:
South Asian ArtObject Location:
1959-93-87Credit Line:
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lessing J. Rosenwald, 1959
Made in Nepal, Asia
Date:
c. 16th centuryMedium:
Stone with traces of ritual powder accretionsDimensions:
4 1/2 × 7 3/4 × 1 1/8 inches (11.4 × 19.7 × 2.9 cm)Curatorial Department:
South Asian ArtObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1959-93-87Credit Line:
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lessing J. Rosenwald, 1959
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4-armed prajnaparamita holds book and rosary [x] boon-granting (varada mudra) [x] varada mudra (boon-granting) [x]The architectural format of this rare stone sculpture (multilobed arches separated by pillars) is a distinctive feature of the Malla period. The deities seated in the niches are eminent figures in the Buddhist pantheon: the goddess (left) embodies the important Buddhist text The Perfection of Wisdom, the title of which is also the literal translation of her name; the historical Buddha Shakyamuni (center) invokes the moment of his enlightenment by touching the earth to witness his triumph; and Lokeshvara (right) demonstrates his compassionate nature with a boon-granting gesture. The remnants of red powders on the deities' foreheads indicate they were once ritually worshiped.
