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The Buddha Shakyamuni
The Buddha Shakyamuni

The Buddha Shakyamuni

Place of Origin
  • Mongolia
Dateapprox. 1700-1800
MaterialsBronze with gilding
DimensionsH. 10 in x W. 6 3/4 in x D. 4 3/4 in, H. 25.4 cm x W. 17.1 cm x D. 12.1 cm
Credit LineGift of Betty and Jack Bogart
Object number1994.131
DepartmentHimalayan Art
ClassificationsSculpture
On View
On view
LocationGallery 12
Subject
  • Buddha
  • Buddhism
  • Shakyamuni
More Information
The Buddha Shakyamuni, wearing the patched robe of a monk, is identified in Mongolia and Tibet by his alms bowl and the earthtouching gesture. His broad chest, high throne, and the gilded double thunderbolt incised on the underside of the pedestal (not visible here) are typical of the works of the famous Mongolian sculptor Zanabazar (1635–1724) and his school. Zanabazar was the first leader of the Gelug order in Mongolia, the region’s most important reincarnated lama,  and the inventor of the  Mongolian alphabet.