- Title: Buddha
- Date: 6th-7th century
- Date Created: 0500, 6th-7th century
- Physical Dimensions: H 14 3/4 x W 9 3/4 x D 3 1/2 in.
- Type: Sculpture
- Rights: Rubin Museum of Art, Purchased with funds from an anonymous donor, C2013.7a-c
- Medium: Copper alloy
- Place of Creation: Eastern Afghanistan or Pakistan (Gandhara)
- Exhibition History: Rubin Museum of Art, “Masterworks: Jewels of the Collection” (02/12/14 – 01/05/15; 02/04/15 – 01/11/16)
Buddhist art was strictly aniconic for many centuries. It was not until Buddhism spread to the region of Gandhara in contemporary Pakistan that the anthropomorphic depictions of the Buddha emerged. The figure seen in the image above is easily identified as the Buddha by the hand gesture he makes, known as “fear not” (abhaya), as well as his distinctive hair style, and the halo placed behind him. The halo features a flock of geese surrounding the Buddha, as well as rays of light emanating from him.
