The Birth of the Buddha

18th–19th century

Not on view

At lower right Maya reaches up to grasp the branches of a tree and the Buddha emerges from her side. At lower left, the gods Indra and the four-headed Brahma receive the child. The Buddha appears a second time, standing atop a stack of jeweled lotus flowers, marking the miraculous event of his first steps and bath. Such mosaic panels were placed in personal shrines and temples. The density of precious stones in this composition is astonishing and speaks to the widespread practice of donating jewelry at sacred centers. This example is one of the most elaborate of its type to survive.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: The Birth of the Buddha
Date: 18th–19th century
Culture: Nepal
Medium: Mosaic set in a gilt-silver framework with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, garnets, quartz, pearls, amber, coral, lapis lazuli, turquoise, and semiprecious stones
Dimensions: 14 1/2 x 12 1/4 in. (36.8 x 31.1 cm)
Classification: Metalwork
Credit Line: John Stewart Kennedy Fund, 1915
Object Number: 15.95.163
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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