• Missing image
  • 1979.089-view-a.jpg
  • 1979.089-view-b.jpg

Buddha Shakyamuni

11th century

Tibet

Copper alloy with copper overlay and inlays of silver

H. 5 5/8 x W. 4 1/4 x D. 2 1/4 in. (14.3 x 10.8 x 5.72 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.89

Provenance

John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY; acquired from Doris Wiener Gallery, New York, NY, May 23, 1973.

The Asia Society, New York, NY, bequest of John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY, 1979.


Licensing inquiries

This sculpture depicts Shakyamuni Buddha performing the earth-touching gesture (bhumisparsha mudra). This gesture refers to the moment when the Buddha-to-be called the earth to witness his right to achieve enlightenment. The small female figure holding a vase beneath Shakyamuni represents the earth goddess whom he invoked. The Buddha sits on an elaborately patterned cushion decorated with the face of a lion. The distinctive use of two colors of metal in this piece may reflect a practice recorded in the writings of the Tibetan scholar and teacher Padma Dkarpol (1524 - 1592) who described a type of image which was made of both "white brass" and "red brass." In this case, the "white brass" refers to the yellowish areas of the Buddha's body and throne, while the "red brass" refers to the copper that comprises the Buddha's robe.

See Also

  • Missing image

    John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY; acquired from Doris Wiener Gallery, New York, NY, May 23, 1973.

  • Missing image

    The Asia Society, New York, NY, bequest of John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY, 1979.