Buddha Calling the Earth to Witness
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.This low relief of the Buddha with one hand holding a monk’s begging bowl and the other making the earth-touching gesture (bhumisparsamudra) has the unadorned simplicity associated with the late Pyu style of central Myanmar. It is one of a series of identical Buddha images decorating the base of the Yahandagu stupa at Sri Ksetra, a late Pyu monument likely dating to the ninth century. This style of Buddha was transmitted to Bagan in the mid-eleventh century, following the progressive defeat and absorption of the Pyu and Mon territories into the Bagan state.
cat. no. 56
cat. no. 56
Artwork Details
- Title: Buddha Calling the Earth to Witness
- Date: 9th century
- Culture: Central Myanmar
- Medium: Sandstone
- Dimensions: H. 14 in. (35.5 cm); W. 7 in. (17.8 cm); D. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Lent by National Museum of Myanmar, Yangon (4574)
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art