Untitled

Unknown

dated by inscription to ca. 600 · Gilt brass with silver and copper inlay · Asian Art

This Buddha is one of the three earliest datable sculptures associated with the kingdom of Gilgit in northern Pakistan. All were commissioned by Queen Mangalahamsika, known from Gilgit manuscripts to have been the senior queen to King Vajraditayanandi (reigned ca. 600). The Sanskrit donor inscription engraved on the front cartouche states: “Om. This is a pious gift. This pious gift was ordered to be made by the Shri Paramadevi [Highest Queen] Mangalahamsika” (trans. O. von Hinueber).

Artist

Unknown

Date

dated by inscription to ca. 600

Medium

Gilt brass with silver and copper inlay

Culture

Pakistan (Gilgit Kingdom)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Rogers Fund; Anonymous and Jeff Soref Gifts; Winnie Feng Gift, in honor of Florence Irving; and John Stewart Kennedy Fund, by exchange, 2011