Untitled
Unknown
second half of the 10th century · Bronze · Asian Art
This ensemble, consisting of seven separately cast pieces, is one of the most elaborate of known surviving Javanese bronzes. The central figure, his hands raised in teaching the dharma, can be identified either as Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, or as Vairocana, his transcendent manifestation. The lion emerging from the center of the main base refers to the Buddha’s clan name. Seated on the left is Avalokiteshvara, supported by his vehicle the calf-bull Nandin, and on the right is Vajrapani, accompanied by his mount, a makara (mythical crocodile-elephant hybrid). The figures’ slender proportions and angular features mark this triad as a product of the Early Eastern Javanese period.
- Artist
- Unknown
- Date
- second half of the 10th century
- Medium
- Bronze
- Culture
- Indonesia (Java)
- Department
- Asian Art
- Credit line
- Purchase, Rogers Fund and Gift of Dr. Mortimer D. Sackler, Theresa Sackler and Family, 2004
