ticketsMember | Make a donation

Seated Buddha

Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Yongle mark and period (1403–24)
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 216
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
Buddha Shakyamuni makes an earth-touching gesture with his right hand. He is adorned with a mandorla made with openwork foliage, pearls, scrolling lotus, thunderbolts (vajra), and swirling flames. The top of his elaborate throne is inscribed with a six-character mark of the Yongle reign. Besides the attention to detail, the conformity of this double-lotus throne and those of other Yongle bronzes shows the coherent standard of the imperial workshop.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明永樂　銅鎏金釋迦牟尼佛坐像
  • Title: Seated Buddha
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Yongle mark and period (1403–24)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Gilt copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 14 9/16 in. (37 cm); W. 16 7/8 in. (42.9 cm); D. 11 in. (28 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by The British Museum
  • Rights and Reproduction: Photograph © The Trustees of the British Museum, London
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art