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Seated Buddha Vairocana

early 8th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 207
The teaching gesture made by this figure, with the thumb of the right hand touching the little finger of the left, identifies him as Vairocana, the celestial Buddha who resides at the center of the cosmos. Vairocana is considered a transcendent form of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. Though similar in appearance, he exists on another plane, unhindered by a mortal body.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 唐 鎏金青銅毗盧遮那佛坐像
  • Title: Seated Buddha Vairocana
  • Period: Tang dynasty (618–907)
  • Date: early 8th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Gilt bronze
  • Dimensions: H. 8 in. (20.3 cm); W. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm); D. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1943
  • Object Number: 43.24.3
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

Audio

Cover Image for 7461. Buddha Vairocana (Dari), Part 1

7461. Buddha Vairocana (Dari), Part 1

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