唐 彩繪石雕阿難陀像（石灰岩）|Monk, probably Ananda (Anantuo)

Unknown

8th century · Limestone with pigment · Asian Art

This young monk, most likely Ananda, was once part of a large group that would have included a Buddha accompanied by bodhisattvas and guardians. The figure holds an unidentifiable object that may represent an offering wrapped in a red cloth. After the sixth century, the Buddha Shakyamuni was often depicted with two disciples—the youthful Ananda and an elderly monk, Kashyapa, who renowned for his supernatural powers. Ananda, Shakyamuni’s cousin, served as the Buddha’s personal attendant and was known for his prodigious memory. He was also a champion of women’s rights and established an order of nuns.

Artist

Unknown

Date

8th century

Medium

Limestone with pigment

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of A. W. Bahr, in memory of his wife, Helen Marion Bahr, 1952