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Seated Buddha

8th–early 9th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 246
The Pyu kingdom flourished in central and northern Burma from the early years B.C. to about 832, when Halin, the capital, was sacked by forces of the southern Chinese Nanchao kingdom. The sculpture displays a fluidity of modeling, with an emphasis on soft, flowing volumes rather than a linear development of form, that is seen in early Southeast Asian sculpture. This seated Buddha originally held both of his hands in the teaching gesture (vitarkamudra). The pose is associated with Mon-Dvaravati-period sculpture and is not found in India.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Seated Buddha
  • Period: Pyu period
  • Date: 8th–early 9th century
  • Culture: Burma
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: H. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm); W. 5 1/4 in. (13.3.cm); D. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Lindemann Fund, 2006
  • Object Number: 2006.53
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Seated Buddha, Bronze, Burma
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Vajradharma Lokeshvara, Bronze with silver inlay, Pakistan (NW Frontier Province, probably Swat Valley)
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Pakistan (NW Frontier Province, probably Swat Valley)
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Standing Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion
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