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Buddha Offering Protection

10th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 242
This grand Buddha gestures compassionate protection to devotees (abhaya mudra) with his raised right hand, while his left hand supports the sweeping fall of his monastic robe (uttarsanga). The facial features and bodily contour suggest that the work is a product of the early Polonnaruva Period.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Buddha Offering Protection
  • Period: Early Polonnaruva period
  • Date: 10th century
  • Culture: Sri Lanka, central plateau
  • Medium: Copper alloy with gilding
  • Dimensions: H. (figure) 23 3/4 in. (60.3 cm); W. 7 in. (17.8 cm); D. 4 in. (10.2 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Enid A. Haupt, 1993
  • Object Number: 1993.387.8
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

Audio

Cover Image for 7971. Buddha Offering Protection

7971. Buddha Offering Protection

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More Artwork

More Artwork
The Bodhisattva Manjushri as a Ferocious Destroyer of Ignorance, Gilt-copper alloy with color and gold paint, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
The Bodhisattva Manjushri as a Ferocious Destroyer of Ignorance
Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
10th century
Buddha Expounding the Dharma, Copper alloy, Sri Lanka (Anuradhapura)
Buddha Expounding the Dharma
Sri Lanka (Anuradhapura)
late 8th century
Enthroned Buddha Granting Boons, Gilt brass with silver and copper inlay, Pakistan (Gilgit Kingdom)
Enthroned Buddha Granting Boons
Pakistan (Gilgit Kingdom)
dated by inscription to ca. 600
Buddha Seated in Meditation, Copper alloy with gilding, Sri Lanka. western regions
Buddha Seated in Meditation
Sri Lanka. western regions
16th century
Buddha, Copper alloy with gilding, Sri Lanka, Kandy district
Buddha
Sri Lanka, Kandy district
18th century

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