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Standing Buddha

China

Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Xuande mark and period (1426–35)

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 213

This Buddha statue stands out among Ming Buddhist bronzes thanks to its impressive size and the U-shaped folds of its robes, a style originating in ancient Indian sculpture. According to legend, King Udayana of India (ca. 6th century BCE) commissioned the first image of the Buddha. For centuries, Chinese Buddhists regarded this legendary image as a source of power. Aware of practices of copying this sought-after depiction, emperors of the early Ming dynasty commissioned bronze statues like this example for major temples.

Standing Buddha, Gilt copper alloy, China

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Standing Buddha, Gilt copper alloy, China
Standing Buddha, Gilt copper alloy, China

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