Buddha Shakyamuni with attendant bodhisattvas

12th–14th century

Not on view

This extraordinary group is a rare example of Buddhist sculpture made in China using mammoth ivory as opposed to elephant ivory. Based on a text known as the Flower Garland Sutra, it depicts the founder of Buddhism, Shakyamuni, seated on a mythical animal known as a qilin and attended by the bodhisattvas Samantabhadhra (Chinese: Puxian) on an elephant and Manjushri (Chinese: Wenshu) on a lion. The former symbolizes virtuous practice, the later wisdom.

Artwork Details

Overview

Title: Buddha Shakyamuni with attendant bodhisattvas
Period: Southern Song (1127–1279)–Yuan (1271–1368) dynasty
Date: 12th–14th century
Culture: China
Medium: Mammoth ivory
Dimensions: H. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1934
Object Number: 34.26.1a, b–.3a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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