This masterpiece of Indian metal sculpture is one of the most sumptuous Buddhist altarpieces to have survived from Kashmir. Buddha Shakyamuni sits in the meditation posture on a thick cushion covered with lavish carpets. Beneath him is a rocky formation divided into three realms—animal, human and celestial—from bottom to top. The probable intent is to represent the historical Buddha as a transcendental figure seated on the cosmic mountain Meru, which is considered to be the center of the universe.
Details
- Title: Buddha Shakyamuni and Adorants on Mount Meru
- Date: c. 700
- Medium: Bronze with silver and copper inlay
- Dimensions: 13-1/4 x 9-1/2 x 4-3/4 in. (33.7 x 24.1 x 12.1 cm)
- Credit Line: The Norton Simon Foundation
- Accession Number: F.1972.48.2.S
- Copyright: © The Norton Simon Foundation
Object Information
Painting and Sculpture from Nepal, Tibet and Northwest India
- Norton Simon Museum, 1994-09-22 to 1997-06-01
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