Crowned Buddha
Northeastern India; Pala period (750–1174), 10th century

Stone
On loan from the Rubin Museum of Art

This sculpture is modeled after the images of the Buddha in and around Bodhgaya where Buddhists traveled in search of teachings. They encountered Buddhist culture and brought it to their own lands begetting their own artistic traditions. Crowned Buddha images became popular in the seventh century in northeastern India—the major area of Buddhist pilgrimage and art production. The Buddha wears a tall, three-part crown. Its ribbons fall behind his ears adorned with earrings and flowers. His necklace hangs around his neck. These features signify the Tantric enlightenment the Buddha attained, as explained in Buddhist texts known as tantras. The Buddha stands in a rigid pose, his robe clings to his body. A small Buddha figure at left presents him taming an elephant, one of the great miracles he is said to have performed.

To learn more about crowned Buddhas and connections between Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese art, click here.

This long-term loan was made possible through the generous support of the Rubin Museum of Art, New York, New York. To find out more about the Rubin, click here.