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Enthroned Buddha with Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani

early 9th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 247
This enthroned Buddha and two Buddhist saviors, the bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani, are rare survivors from early ninth-century Central Java. During this period, triads assumed a special place as savior deities gained importance in Buddhist practice. The silver figures are modeled on a suite of monumental stone sculptures in the central sanctuary of Candi Mendut, a royal-endowed shrine built around 800 ce, and were probably cast soon after the temple’s completion.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Enthroned Buddha with Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani
  • Date: early 9th century
  • Culture: Indonesia, Central Java
  • Medium: Cast silver alloy with chasing and incising
  • Dimensions: Buddha: H. 5 7/8 in. (15 cm); W. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); D. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm)
    Avalokiteshvara: H. 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm); W. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm); D. 2 in. (5.1 cm)
    Vajrapani: H. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm); W. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm); D. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Florence and Herbert Irving Acquisitions Fund for Asian Art, 2025
  • Object Number: 2025.295a–c
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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