Buddha Shakyamuni with His Life Events

Currently not on view

Buddha Shakyamuni with His Life Events

c. Late 9th - early 10th century

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

In sculpture created during the rule of the Pala dynasty (eighth through twelfth century), the eight pivotal life events of the historical Buddha were usually illustrated by each event being reduced to its most essential elements. In this image, the central Buddha sits with his hands folded in the gesture of meditation (dhyanamudra), probably indicating the episode in which he receives a bowl of honey from a devoted monkey. Clockwise from the bottom left the other events implied are: the birth of the Buddha; the taming of the wild elephant Nalagiri; the enlightenment; the death (parinirvana); the first sermon; the descent from the heaven where the Buddha preached to his dead mother; and the display of supernatural powers.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Buddha Shakyamuni with His Life Events

Date:

c. Late 9th - early 10th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Schist

Dimensions:

11 1/4 × 7 1/4 × 2 1/2 inches (28.6 × 18.4 × 6.4 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Purchased with the George W.B. Taylor Fund, 1921

Accession Number:

1921-36-14

Geography:

Made in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Pala-Sena Dynasty (c. 750-c. 1100) Period: Medieval Period (c. 600 - c. 1300)

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Currently not on view