Artwork Page for Standing Disciple Mahakasyapa Holding a Cylindrical Reliquary

Details / Information for Standing Disciple Mahakasyapa Holding a Cylindrical Reliquary

Standing Disciple Mahakasyapa Holding a Cylindrical Reliquary

c. 550

China, Hebei province, Southern Xiangtangshan caves, Northern Qi dynasty

(550-577)
Medium
limestone with traces of pigment
Measurements
Overall: 116 x 33 x 25 cm (45 11/16 x 13 x 9 13/16 in.)
Weight: 46 kg (101.41 lbs.)
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1972.166
Public Domain
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Location
241C Chinese Buddhist Sculptures
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Did You Know?

The complex of Buddhist cave temples at Xiangtangshan, “Mountain of Echoing Halls,” is a central achievement of the Northern Qi period.

Description

Mahakasyapa, the disciple of Shakyamuni, is presented with closed eyes in an expression of meditative concentration. He is holding a reliquary for the Buddha’s ashes, which symbolize the Buddha entering final spiritual attainment (nirvana) at death. The artistic simplicity exemplifies the spiritual content of this figure.
A gray and tan limestone sculpture depicts the standing disciple Mahakasyapa with a circular, petal-carved halo behind his head. He has a shaved head, elongated earlobes, and downcast eyes. A robe drapes over the shoulder on our right in "U"-shaped folds as he holds a cylindrical container at his waist. The weathered stone reveals traces of pigment, and his feet rest on a low, rounded base.

Standing Disciple Mahakasyapa Holding a Cylindrical Reliquary

c. 550

China, Hebei province, Southern Xiangtangshan caves, Northern Qi dynasty (550-577)

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