Buddha Shakyamuni

Detail of a pattern
Image 1 of 2
IIIF

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At A Glance

On View
  • Period

    11th-12th century
  • Geography

    Guge, Western Tibet
  • Material

    Copper alloy with traces of possible former inlays
  • Dimension

    H x W x D: 21.7 × 14 × 9 cm (8 9/16 × 5 1/2 × 3 9/16 in)
  • Accession Number

    S2015.28.2
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_S2015.28.2

Object Details

  • Label

    Metal images from western Tibet in the eleventh and twelfth-century are often freely inventive, as seen here in the Buddha’s elevated seated posture, atypically square head, and the playful swoop of the garment’s left sleeve.
    The earth-touching gesture, in which the right hand reaches down to call the earth to witness the Buddha’s moment of enlightenment, identifies both the historical Buddha (Shakyamuni) and the cosmic Buddha Akshobhya, this sculpture more likely represents Akshobhya because the downward tilt of the left hand suggests that it was made to hold an upright thunderbolt scepter rather than the begging bowl that is characteristic of Shakyamuni.
    Akshobyha (Sanskrti, Immovable or Unshakable) is unshakably present in the eastern heaven Abhirati to teach all its beings. In Abhirati (Sanskrit, Intense Delight), gods and humans easily visit each other’s realms by traversing ladders that connect heaven and earth.
  • Collection

    Arthur M. Sackler Collection
  • Exhibition History

    The Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room (March 12, 2022 - ongoing)
    Encountering the Buddha: Art and Practice Across Asia (October 14, 2017 to February 6, 2022)
    Doorway to an Enlightened World: The Tibetan Shrine from the Alice S. Kandell Collection (March 19 to November 27, 2016)
    The Tibetan Shrine from the Alice S. Kandell Collection (March 13, 2010 to November 27, 2016)
  • Origin

    Guge, Western Tibet
  • Credit Line

    The Alice S. Kandell Collection
  • Type

    Sculpture
  • On View

    Sackler Gallery 26a: The Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

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