Meditating Buddha with Alms Bowl Enthroned in a Foliated Niche

ca. late 10th–early 11th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 238

This meditating Buddha with an alms bowl is likely the Amitabha Buddha in the form of one of the medicine Buddhas, such as Bhaisajyaguru. A horned monster face (kirtimukha) with a string of pearls issuing from his jaws provides a protective presence over the meditating Buddha, who is framed by a pearl-bordered nimbus. Foliage and two lotus flowers fill the arch. This architectural relief is a false window antefix from a Pala-period Buddhist monument.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Meditating Buddha with Alms Bowl Enthroned in a Foliated Niche
Period: Pala period
Date: ca. late 10th–early 11th century
Culture: India (Bihar)
Medium: Stone
Dimensions: H. 16 15/16 in. (43 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 1997
Object Number: 1997.138
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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