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Votive Stupa with Four Buddhas

10th–11th century
Not on view
Small stupas such as this example were placed near massive stupas containing the ashes of the Buddha. By this time, the connection between the historic Buddha Shakyamuni, who revealed the Buddhist teachings on earth, and the Buddha Vairochana, who resides in heaven, was known from texts and accepted in religious practice. The dome of the stupa simultaneously represents Shakyamuni’s relics and Vairochana’s celestial presence. The four directional Buddhas look out of foliate niches. These small stupas held the ashes of the monastic dead, allowing deceased monks to be eternally in the presence of the Buddha Shakyamuni and perhaps even aided in their being reborn in one of the pure lands.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Votive Stupa with Four Buddhas
  • Period: Pala period
  • Date: 10th–11th century
  • Culture: India, Bihar
  • Medium: Schist
  • Dimensions: H. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); W. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm); D. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Paul Mallon, 1920
  • Object Number: 20.70
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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