Standing Crowned Buddha Shakyamuni as World Sovereign
See it in the Museum
India and Nepal
Orientation 3
Display 2
ABS 365
Code: ABS 365
Country: India (north-west)
Style: Karkota Dynasty
Date: 750 - 850
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 22.3
Materials: Brass
Crowned Buddha Shakyamuni
This statue represents a singular aspect of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, depicted as chakravartin or “universal monarch.” While the posture and dress do not differ from other representations, he can be distinguished by his ornaments: the crown with ribbons, the earrings, necklace, and bracelets mark his royal status. Standing in a gracefully bent attitude on a single lotus throne, his right hand is raised in the gesture of protection, the lowered left hand holding the hem of the monastic robe. The chakravartin is the ruler “setting the wheel (of the law) in motion,” a parallel with the Buddha “who turns the wheel of Dharma,” the traditional expression for teaching.
The upper monastic garment, covering both shoulders, is draped in few folds, topped by a cape with a beaded border and tassels. The triangular panes of the cape are characteristic of works commissioned in and during the Patola-Shahi rule of the 8th century located in the Baltistan/Gilgit areas of present-day Northern Pakistan. Also characteristic of this area and period are the silver inlays of the eyes and the urna between his eyebrows.
An inscription on the front and sides of the base indicates the statue was commissioned by a lady.
(Former collection of Ulrich von Schroeder, 2019-06).
This statue represents a singular aspect of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, depicted as chakravartin or “universal monarch.” While the posture and dress do not differ from other representations, he can be distinguished by his ornaments: the crown with ribbons, the earrings, necklace, and bracelets mark his royal status. Standing in a gracefully bent attitude on a single lotus throne, his right hand is raised in the gesture of protection, the lowered left hand holding the hem of the monastic robe. The chakravartin is the ruler “setting the wheel (of the law) in motion,” a parallel with the Buddha “who turns the wheel of Dharma,” the traditional expression for teaching.
The upper monastic garment, covering both shoulders, is draped in few folds, topped by a cape with a beaded border and tassels. The triangular panes of the cape are characteristic of works commissioned in and during the Patola-Shahi rule of the 8th century located in the Baltistan/Gilgit areas of present-day Northern Pakistan. Also characteristic of this area and period are the silver inlays of the eyes and the urna between his eyebrows.
An inscription on the front and sides of the base indicates the statue was commissioned by a lady.
(Former collection of Ulrich von Schroeder, 2019-06).