Ascetic Shakyamuni
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Object Label
At the age of 29, Siddhartha left the comforts of his palace to seek answers and spiritual solace. He cut his hair and removed his jewelry. He tried fasting as a way to test his dedication but the hunger distracted him from meditation. He would later preach “The Middle Path,” avoiding extremes of behavior in favor of focusing one’s thoughts on enlightenment. Images of the fasting Siddhartha promote this philosophy of moderation.
Caption
Ascetic Shakyamuni, 17th – 18th century. Wood with pigmented lacquer, inlaid crystal, metal, 8 1/2 x 6 1/16 x 7 1/8 in. (21.6 x 15.4 x 18 cm) a - figure: 7 3/4 × 6 × 6 3/8 in. (19.7 × 15.2 × 16.2 cm) b - base: 1 × 6 1/4 × 6 1/4 in. (2.5 × 15.9 × 15.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Asian Art Council, 88.145a-b.
Collection
Collection
Title
Ascetic Shakyamuni
Date
17th – 18th century
Period
Edo period
Geography
Place made: Japan
Medium
Wood with pigmented lacquer, inlaid crystal, metal
Classification
Dimensions
8 1/2 x 6 1/16 x 7 1/8 in. (21.6 x 15.4 x 18 cm) a - figure: 7 3/4 × 6 × 6 3/8 in. (19.7 × 15.2 × 16.2 cm) b - base: 1 × 6 1/4 × 6 1/4 in. (2.5 × 15.9 × 15.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the Asian Art Council
Accession Number
88.145a-b
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