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Enthroned Buddha Granting Boons

dated by inscription to ca. 600
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 237
This Buddha is one of the three earliest datable sculptures associated with the kingdom of Gilgit in northern Pakistan. All were commissioned by Queen Mangalahamsika, known from Gilgit manuscripts to have been the senior queen to King Vajraditayanandi (reigned ca. 600). The Sanskrit donor inscription engraved on the front cartouche states: “Om. This is a pious gift. This pious gift was ordered to be made by the Shri Paramadevi [Highest Queen] Mangalahamsika” (trans. O. von Hinueber).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Enthroned Buddha Granting Boons
  • Period: Patola Shahi period
  • Date: dated by inscription to ca. 600
  • Culture: Pakistan (Gilgit Kingdom)
  • Medium: Gilt brass with silver and copper inlay
  • Dimensions: H. 9 5/8 in. (24.4 cm); W. 6 in. (15.2 cm); D. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers Fund; Anonymous and Jeff Soref Gifts; Winnie Feng Gift, in honor of Florence Irving; and John Stewart Kennedy Fund, by exchange, 2011
  • Object Number: 2011.19
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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