Collections: Asian Art: Seated Buddha Shakyamuni

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Seated Buddha Shakyamuni

Gilt bronze icons of Buddhist divinities were ritually and aesthetically significant early in China's reception of Buddhism. These deeply venerated, portable images were initially introduced into China by missionaries, travelers, and pilgrims. Around the third century, the Chinese began to cast their own bronze Buddhist icons, establishing a sculptural tradition that combined China's own heritage with those of non-Chinese cultures. This Buddha, dressed in a Chinese-style robe and seated in the lotus position, makes the gestures of preaching and vow fulfilling with his hands. The four-character inscription on the back—"made in the yi chou year"—dates the statue to either A.D. 965 or 1025.

• Medium: Gilt bronze
• Place Made: China
• Dates: 965-1025
• Dynasty: Liao Dynasty
• Dimensions: 8 1/2 x 7 1/8 x 4 in. (21.6 x 18.1 x 10.2 cm)
• Collections: Asian Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Asian Galleries, The Arts of China, 2nd Floor
• Accession Number: 1999.42
• Credit Line: Gift of the Asian Art Council in memory of Mahmood T. Diba; Mary Smith Dorward Fund
• Image: Overall, 1999.42_bw_Design_scan.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Seated Buddha Shakyamuni, 965-1025. Gilt bronze, 8 1/2 x 7 1/8 x 4 in. (21.6 x 18.1 x 10.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Asian Art Council in memory of Mahmood T. Diba; Mary Smith Dorward Fund, 1999.42 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1999.42_bw_Design_scan.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Gilt bronze figure of Buddha Sakyamuni, shown seated cross-legged with right hand raised in a gesture to be identified, with two fingers crossed, and left hand extended in varamudra. The serene figure is wearing a long flowing robe with wide sleeves, crossed over in front and fallen in wide pleated folds, with the sanghati tied at the left shoulder. The figure has a broad round face with ridged eyebrows and a prominent urna. Heavily lidded eyes are set in a quiet introspective gaze and the ears have long, pendulous lobes. The ungilded hair is arranged in tight curls and represented by rows of rounded knobs, with demi-florette shaped ornament in the center front. Four characters are inscribed on the back towards the base which read "yichou sui zao". This inscription translates to 'made in the yi chou year' and indicates the second year of a sixty year cycle, either 965 or 1025 AD. The Qidans (Khitans) of the Liao Dynasty were hunting and pastoral people who originated from eastern Inner Mongolia and occupied North China under the auspices of the Liao Dynasty from 907 to 1125. Although the Qidans actively retained many traditions of their originary steppe culture, they were heavily influenced by the Chinese in terms of society and culture. Buddhism also had an impact on Qidan religious and ritual practices as evident by the number of Liao dynasty Buddhist objects known, particularly gilt bronze figures of Buddhist deities. Condition: Intact and in excellent condition. Some slight wear of gilt on surface. Hairline crack on two fingers and a tiny dent in front center of costume. Casting flaw under chin. From Accession Card