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Figure of Seated Buddha

Asian Art

On View: Asian Galleries, Southwest, 2nd floor
This Buddha icon was made in Japan during the Heian period, when wood became the norm as the main material for sculptures, replacing the more expensive bronze. The figure is constructed from several blocks of wood, pinned together, that were originally covered with layers of clay, lacquer, and pigments. The Buddha’s upraised hand is making the “do not fear” gesture. In Japan, this gesture is usually associated with a Buddha known as Fukūjōju Nyorai (Sanskrit: Amoghasiddhi), who typically appears as one of five major Buddhas and was rarely worshipped alone.
MEDIUM Wood, crystal
  • Place Made: Japan
  • DATES 794-1185
    PERIOD Heian Period
    DIMENSIONS 34 1/2 x 29 1/2 x 21 1/2 in. (87.6 x 74.9 x 54.6 cm)  (show scale)
    COLLECTIONS Asian Art
    ACCESSION NUMBER 2004.28.207
    CREDIT LINE The Peggy N. and Roger G. Gerry Collection
    EXHIBITIONS
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Asian Galleries, Southwest, 2nd floor
    CAPTION Figure of Seated Buddha, 794-1185. Wood, crystal, 34 1/2 x 29 1/2 x 21 1/2 in. (87.6 x 74.9 x 54.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, The Peggy N. and Roger G. Gerry Collection, 2004.28.207. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2004.28.207_SL3.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 2004.28.207_SL3.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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