Untitled

Unknown

16th–17th century · Terracotta · Asian Art

The Buddha reaches his right hand down in bhumisparsha mudra, marking the moment when the historic Buddha Shakyamuni called upon the earth goddess to witness his resistance of the forces of Mara, immediately prior to his experiencing enlightenment. In the Esoteric Buddhist tradition, this iconography is associated with Akshobhya, cosmic Buddha of the East. The lotus buds embellishing the mandorla and the open flower serving as his throne may refer to the celestial abode of Akshobhya. This icon may have been integrated into the wall of a stupa or shrine as part of a set of directional Buddhas.

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th–17th century

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Nepal

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Seymour Fund, 1962