Artwork Page for Seated Buddha

Details / Information for Seated Buddha

Seated Buddha

400–430 CE

Northern India, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura, Gupta period

(c. 320-550)
Medium
red mottled sandstone
Measurements
Overall: 82 cm (32 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1973.214
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

This rare depiction of a seated Buddha from Mathura, datable to the first half of the 5th century, displays a new vision for the form of the Buddha, in comparison to the way he was depicted during the preceding Kushan period. His appearance remains otherworldly, but his form has relaxed and the cloth softened, as seen in the way the cascading hem falls from the arm over his left leg. Traces survive of the rearing griffins of his throne and his elegant halo, which was filled with scrolling vegetation-typical features of Buddha images from this period.
A red mottled sandstone sculpture depicts a Buddha seated cross-legged; his face and hands are broken away. The head features long earlobes and a rounded protrusion on top. Thin, closely spaced horizontal folds striate the robes across the torso and arms. Behind him, a carved backplate shows decorative patterns and a small animal to the right. The sculpture rests on a thick platform with a rope-like border.

Seated Buddha

400–430 CE

Northern India, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura, Gupta period (c. 320-550)

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