Nimbus Fragment with Celestial Beings and Bodhi Tree
c. 100
Asia: India, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura
On View

This sandstone fragment was once part of a nimbus, or halo, surrounding Buddha Shakyamuni seated beneath a bodhi tree, which can be recognized by its distinctive heart-shaped leaves. The tree is actually a fig tree (ficus religiosa), but became known as a bodhi tree because the Buddha reached enlightenment (bodhi) after meditating beneath one for forty-nine days. The two flying male figures are angels bearing garlands as offerings to the Buddha.

Details

  • Title: Nimbus Fragment with Celestial Beings and Bodhi Tree
  • Date: c. 100
  • Medium: Mottled red sandstone
  • Dimensions: overall: 21-3/4 x 39 x 4-3/4 in. (55.2 x 99.1 x 12.1 cm)
  • Credit Line: The Norton Simon Foundation
  • Accession Number: F.1975.16.01.S
  • Copyright: © The Norton Simon Foundation

Object Information

  • Leoshko, Janice, Asian Art: Selections from the Norton Simon Museum, fig. 5 p. 10
  • Pal, Pratapaditya, A Pot-pourri of Indian Art, 1988, p. 9
  • Pal, Pratapaditya, Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum, Volume 1: Art from the Indian Subcontinent, 2003, no. 41 p. 77
  • Campbell, Sara, Collector Without Walls: Norton Simon and His Hunt for the Best, 2010, cat. 1219 p. 384
Listen
Audio Tour
English | Español
Read
Audio Tour Transcript
English | Español
Escuchar
Audioguía
English | Español
Leer
Transcripción de Audioguía
English | Español

Image reproduction permission may be granted for scholarly or arts related commercial use. All image requests, regardless of their intended purpose, should be submitted via the reproduction request form.

Images may be protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights. Additional permission may be required.

Approved requests for the reproduction of an image will receive a contract detailing all fees and conditions of use of the image. Upon receipt of both the signed contract and full payment, the Office of Rights and Reproductions will provide the image. A complimentary copy of the published material must be provided to the Norton Simon Museum.

Reproduction Request Form