Untitled

Unknown

9th century · Bronze with traces of lacquer · Asian Art

Esoteric Buddhist deities were favored in both Java and Sumatra, reflecting an intense interest in Vajrayana Buddhism during this period, fostered by regular contacts with monastic Buddhism in eastern India. The cult of Prajnaparamita was stimulated by the circulation of manuscript editions of the scripture personified by this goddess, the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita. This image relates to a number of bronze icons of bodhisattvas from the Palembang region of Sumatra.

Artist

Unknown

Date

9th century

Medium

Bronze with traces of lacquer

Culture

Indonesia

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Perry J. Lewis, 1985