Preaching Buddha

This Buddha, with his legs folded in a full yogic posture and his hands gesturing preaching, invokes the first sermon at Sarnath. The complex treatment of the monastic robes, most notably their pleated ends, is evidence of an unidentified monastic workshop, probably located in Kashmir or the Swat Valley. The treatment of the hair curls is unconventional, as is the extreme stylization of the eyes and eyebrow. Silver inlay marks the eyes and auspicious forehead mark (urna).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Preaching Buddha
  • Date: 8th century
  • Culture: India (Jammu & Kashmir, ancient kingdom of Kashmir) or Pakistan
  • Medium: Bronze with silver inlay
  • Dimensions: H. 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Samuel Eilenberg Collection, Ex Coll.: Columbia University, Purchase, Lita Annenberg Hazen Charitable Trust Gift, 1987
  • Object Number: 1987.218.3
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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