Buddha Calling the Earth to Witness
Artist/maker unknown, Indian
Geography:
Made in Bihar, India, Asia
Probably made near Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India, Asia
Period:
Medieval Period (c. 600 - c. 1300)Date:
c. Early to mid- 9th centuryMedium:
Schist with traces of gilt decorationDimensions:
9 1/4 × 6 3/8 × 3 3/8 inches (23.5 × 16.2 × 8.6 cm)Curatorial Department:
South Asian ArtObject Location:
1921-36-16Credit Line:
Purchased with the George W.B. Taylor Fund, 1921
Made in Bihar, India, Asia
Probably made near Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India, Asia
Period:
Medieval Period (c. 600 - c. 1300)Date:
c. Early to mid- 9th centuryMedium:
Schist with traces of gilt decorationDimensions:
9 1/4 × 6 3/8 × 3 3/8 inches (23.5 × 16.2 × 8.6 cm)Curatorial Department:
South Asian ArtObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1921-36-16Credit Line:
Purchased with the George W.B. Taylor Fund, 1921
Label:
Buddha holds his right hand downward in the earth-touching gesture (bhumisparsha mudra) with which he calls the earth goddess to affirm that he is entitled to attain enlightenment following his triumph over Mara, the destroyer. The event occurred under the bodhi (enlightenment) tree at Bodhgaya, at the spot known as the diamond seat (vajrasana), represented here by an elaborate double lotus throne with lions. The frequent images of the Buddha calling the earth to witness imply the doctrinal importance of his enlightenment and of the holy site of Bodhgaya.
Buddha holds his right hand downward in the earth-touching gesture (bhumisparsha mudra) with which he calls the earth goddess to affirm that he is entitled to attain enlightenment following his triumph over Mara, the destroyer. The event occurred under the bodhi (enlightenment) tree at Bodhgaya, at the spot known as the diamond seat (vajrasana), represented here by an elaborate double lotus throne with lions. The frequent images of the Buddha calling the earth to witness imply the doctrinal importance of his enlightenment and of the holy site of Bodhgaya.