Panel of a crown ornamented with Buddha Akshobhya
See it in the Museum
Chapel
Orientation 4
Display 9
ABS 239
Code: ABS 239
Country: Tibet
Style: Nepalese School
Date: 1300 - 1400
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 11 x 16.3
Materials: Gilt copper; inset with turquise and lapis lazuli
Central panel of a crown ornamented with an image of Buddha Shakyamuni
The Buddha is seated in the diamond attitude (vajraparyankasana). He rests his left hand in his lap and extends the right hand in the gesture of touching the earth (bhumisparsha-mudra). With this gesture, the historical Buddha Shakyamuni “takes the earth as a witness” of his victory over his inner demons of doubt, the mara. The upper monastic garment (uttarasanga) covers only the left shoulder and is draped without folds.
This depiction of the historical Buddha reminds us also of the place of his awakening (enlightenment). Bodhgaya in northern India subsequently became the destination of Buddhist pilgrimages to the "eight holy places" (astamahasthana).
The Buddha is seated in the diamond attitude (vajraparyankasana). He rests his left hand in his lap and extends the right hand in the gesture of touching the earth (bhumisparsha-mudra). With this gesture, the historical Buddha Shakyamuni “takes the earth as a witness” of his victory over his inner demons of doubt, the mara. The upper monastic garment (uttarasanga) covers only the left shoulder and is draped without folds.
This depiction of the historical Buddha reminds us also of the place of his awakening (enlightenment). Bodhgaya in northern India subsequently became the destination of Buddhist pilgrimages to the "eight holy places" (astamahasthana).