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Buddha Shakyamuni; Tibet; 15th century; gilt copper alloy; Rubin Museum of Art, gift of Shelley…
Buddha Shakyamuni
Buddha Shakyamuni; Tibet; 15th century; gilt copper alloy; Rubin Museum of Art, gift of Shelley…
Buddha Shakyamuni; Tibet; 15th century; gilt copper alloy; Rubin Museum of Art, gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; C2006.66.656 (HAR 700092); photograph by David De Armas, Rubin Museum of Art, 2022

Buddha Shakyamuni

OriginTibet
Date15th century
Dimensions7 3/4 × 5 7/8 × 4 7/8 in.
MediumGilt copper alloy
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin
Object numberC2006.66.656
Himalayan Art Resources Number700092
Project Himalayan Arthttps://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/exhibition/symbols-and-meanings/buddha/buddha-shakyamunib/
DescriptionThis sculpture shows the Buddha in a traditional posture with his right hand touching the earth, referencing the event of his complete awakening and victory over the demon Mara. The begging bowl in his left hand is one of the characteristics of Buddhist monastics in all Buddhist traditions. In Tibetan art this gesture is sometimes also found in portraits of masters and teachers, indicating their enlightened, buddha-like eminence.
Not on view