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Dharma-wheel pilaster (dharmacakrastambha)

ca. early 3rd century CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 235
This panel depicts the stepped capital of a tall commemorative pillar surmounted by the Buddhist wheel of the law (Dharma-wheel), a revered element of early Andhra Buddhist monasteries and the principal metaphor of the Buddha’s teachings (Dharma). The wheel is supported by two lions. Its radiating spokes are framed by a ring of lotus petals, and garlands hang from the capital beneath in celebration of the Buddha’s teachings. The panel probably formed the upper section of a slender pilaster decorating the platform (ayaka) that projected from the stupa. A vertical tenon joint on its rough-hewn reverse enabled it to be locked into place between two larger panels.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Dharma-wheel pilaster (dharmacakrastambha)
  • Period: Satavahana-Ikshvaku
  • Date: ca. early 3rd century CE
  • Culture: Andhra Pradesh, possibly Ghantasala, Krishna district
  • Medium: Limestone
  • Dimensions: H. 15 1/2 in. (39.4 cm); W. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm); D. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Fletcher and Rogers Funds, by exchange, 2008
  • Object Number: 2008.503
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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