Crowned Buddha
India, Ancient kingdom of Kashmir
The elaborate jewelry worn by this Buddha marks him as one who resides in heaven. Perhaps he is Shakyamuni in his cosmic form as Vairochana. The elaborate halo and full body mandorla, as well as the tripartite cape, first appeared in the ancient region of Gandhara in the fifth century, a stylistic source that also probably explains the Buddha's muscled torso. Images such as this example had great significance for the sculptural traditions of western and central Tibet.
Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
