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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

More Artwork

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Buddha, Limestone, India, Andhra Pradesh
Buddha
India, Andhra Pradesh
3rd century CE
Drum panel depicting a stupa with the Buddha’s descent from Trayastrimsa Heaven, Limestone, India, Nagarjunakonda Stupa Site 6, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh
Drum panel depicting a stupa with the Buddha’s descent from Trayastrimsa Heaven
India, Nagarjunakonda Stupa Site 6, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh
late 3rd century CE
Drum panel with scenes of the Great Departure and Temptation of the Buddha, Limestone, India, Nagarjunakonda, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh
Drum panel with scenes of the Great Departure and Temptation of the Buddha
India, Nagarjunakonda, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh
first half 3rd century CE
The Conversion and Ordination of Nanda, Limestone, India (Andhra Pradesh, Goli)
The Conversion and Ordination of Nanda
India (Andhra Pradesh, Goli)
3rd century
Naga attendant holding a fly whisk, Limestone, India, probably Goli, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh
Naga attendant holding a fly whisk
India, probably Goli, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh
ca. 3rd century CE

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