figure. 9th century-10th century. Gift of Irene Littledale Downs. 1972.227.

height: 20 1/8 in, 51.1175 cm; width: 11 3/4 in, 29.845 cm; depth: 6 in, 15.24 cm; mount height: 1/4 in, 0.635 cm; mount width: 11 3/4 in, 29.845 cm; mount depth: 7 in, 17.78 cm

Characters around figure's head

Arts of Asia

Arts of Asia

This object is currently on view

Buddha 
800s-900s, Pala dynasty
India
Stone
Gift of Irene Littledale Downs
1972.227

This carving here of the Buddha shares characteristics of Pala period sculpture: the double lotus base on which the figure sits, the crossbar throne-back, and the upside-down horsheshoe-shaped halo. The Buddha's hair is in snail-shell curls and the protuberance (ushnisha) on his head shows his enlightened state. The two deer on the base refer to the deer park where the Buddha taught his first sermon, and the wheel symbolizes this first teaching, when the Buddha set the wheel of law in motion. 

Irene Littledale Downs [1911-1986], Littleton, CO; gifted to the Denver Art Museum, 1972.

• "Linking Asia: Art, Trade and Devotion," Denver Art Museum, December 17, 2017-April 1, 2018, no. 84