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Buddha Shakyamuni

12th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 253
In this sublime and exceedingly rare early medieval depiction of the historical Buddha he is seen seated in a yogic meditation posture, with his right hand lowered and gesturing to the Earth Goddess at the moment prior to his enlightenment, when he steadfastly resistance all the temptations of desire. He displays a number of the auspicious marks of Buddhahood (lakshanas): the extended earlobes, which serve to remind the viewer of the Buddha’s former princely status; the three rings on the neck; the forehead mark (urna, a curl of hair according to texts); and the highly pronounced skull protuberance (ushnisha). The presence of a flame-like projection surmounting the ushnisha is a rare and significant feature, for although it has a textual foundation, it is rarely represented in Tibetan or indeed Indian Buddhist art. The figure has a refined and smooth surface, with traces of gilding on the face and neck. Skillfully articulated fingers and toes add a poignantly human dimension to this otherwise rather abstracted and ethereal Buddha image. The subtle hint of a smile and the downcast expression masterfully capture the inner calm of Buddhahood and awakened bliss.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Buddha Shakyamuni
  • Date: 12th century
  • Culture: Central Tibet
  • Medium: Brass with colored pigments
  • Dimensions: H. 15 1/2 in. (39.4 cm); W. 10 7/16 in. (26.5 cm); D. 8 5/8 in. (21.9 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Zimmerman Family Collection, Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace, Oscar L. Tang, Anthony W. and Lulu C. Wang and Annette de la Renta Gifts, 2012
  • Object Number: 2012.458
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Twenty-One Emanations of the Goddess Tara
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The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Form of Padmapani, the Lotus Bearer, Bronze with later turquoise inlay, Tibet
The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Form of Padmapani, the Lotus Bearer
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12th century
Buddha Shakyamuni or Akshobhya, the Buddha of the East, Gilt copper, Tibet
Buddha Shakyamuni or Akshobhya, the Buddha of the East
Tibet
11th–12th century
Hevajra and Nairātmyā, Brass with silver and pigment, Tibet
On loan to The Met
Hevajra and Nairātmyā
Tibet
late 12th century

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