Drum panel with veneration of the buddhapada and empty throne
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.Reverence for the Buddha’s teachings is poignantly expressed in this early drum panel from the Great Stupa at Amaravati. The objects of veneration—the Buddha’s empty throne and his footprints, marked with the Dharma-wheel—are rendered simply, ensuring a clarity of message: the Buddha is present. Worshipping couples offer salutations along with gifts, perfume, flower petals, and a garland. The enclosure railing beneath their feet suggests this scene of veneration is set at a stupa shrine, viewed from the gateway entrance. Aquatic foliage, including lotus bud and blooms, waterfowl, and a makara are all carved in shallow relief in the meandering frieze at the base of the panel.
Artwork Details
- Title: Drum panel with veneration of the buddhapada and empty throne
- Period: Early Satavahana
- Date: ca. 100 BCE
- Culture: India, Amaravati Great Stupa, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh
- Medium: Limestone
- Dimensions: H. 39 in. (99 cm); W. 29 1/8 in. (15 cm); D. 5 7/8 in. (15 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Lent by Archaeological Museum ASI, Amaravati, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh
- Rights and Reproduction: Photo by Theirry Ollivier:
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art