Sculpture Item Number: Ef419 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Arch shaped stone slab sculpture with a buddha figure seated on a lotus pedestal supported by a central alms bowl, flanked by two lions. Two small temples adorn the arched-shaped mandorla behind the central figure who has his left hand in his lap and his right hand pointed downward. An obscured tree branch is over the figure's head.
History Of Use
Pala Sena sculpture probably made for a niche of the base of a Tupa structure which may have resembled the 2 structures flanking the Buddha in this piece.
Iconographic Meaning
The male figure represents Buddha before enlightenment. Sidhartha, as he was known, is seated under the bodhi tree with right arm extended to the ground in the earth touching mudra. It represents his confrontation with Mara who attempted to distract him from his spiritual pursuit. Neither Mara's army nor his beautiful daughters were able to win Sidhartha over. Finally, Sidhartha calls on the earth itself to be a witness to his benevolent path to liberation. Lions are symbols of the imperial Shakya Clan to which Sidhartha belonged. The alms bowl is a symbol for the monkhood. The bodhi tree is a signifier of enlightenment for Sidhartha achieved Buddhahood while seated below it.
Cultural Context
ritual
Item History
- Made in West Bengal, India ? between 600 and 750
- Owned by Carol George and James George before June 20, 1988
- Received from Carol George (Donor) and James George (Donor) on June 20, 1988
What
Who
- Culture
- Indian
- Previous Owner
- Carol George and James George
- Received from
- Carol George (Donor) and James George (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- West Bengal, India ?
When
- Creation Date
- between 600 and 750
- Ownership Date
- before June 20, 1988
- Acquisition Date
- on June 20, 1988
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 1275/0003