Untitled

Unknown

10th–11th century · Gilt bronze · Asian Art

This small image probably represents Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, in his enlightened state, seated in the posture of meditation. Short whorls of hair (rahotsu) cover the head, and a cranial protuberance symbolizes his profound wisdom. The hands, which were cast separately, would have formed the characteristic mudras associated with his image: the right, raised and open in a gesture of reassurance, represents the benevolent gift of life without fear that is the result of Buddhist enlightenment; the left, resting on the knee with palm open, extended to the worshipper in a gesture of offering, symbolizes the fulfillment of the Buddha's vow to attain enlightenment and to teach it to all sentient beings.

Artist

Unknown

Date

10th–11th century

Medium

Gilt bronze

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

The Harry G. C. Packard Collection of Asian Art, Gift of Harry G. C. Packard, and Purchase, Fletcher, Rogers, Harris Brisbane Dick, and Louis V. Bell Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and The Annenberg Fund Inc. Gift, 1975