Veneration of the book
Sculpture
11th century-12th century (made)
11th century-12th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This sandstone panel is decorated with an assembly of seated figures performing homage to the pedestal-stand in the centre of the composition. The stand supports a cloth-wrapped manuscript (‘pustaka’) that symbolises the Buddha’s teachings.
To the right of the manuscript is a large bulbous jar with lotus flowers, intended to evoke the purity of the Buddha. A burning incense brazier has been placed before it. Taken together this ensemble of auspicious emblems and Buddhist deities represent the seven jewels (‘sapta-ratnas’) of Buddhism.
The two kneeling figures are the donors. The man is gesturing in veneration (‘anjali’), and his wife is holding an offering in her lap. The entire scene is presided over by an assembly of 26 meditating Buddhas.
Although this is a small-scale work, the quality of the carving is remarkably high. The sculptor has given life and character to each of the figures by varying their postures and gestures and so created an animated and engaging scene.
To the right of the manuscript is a large bulbous jar with lotus flowers, intended to evoke the purity of the Buddha. A burning incense brazier has been placed before it. Taken together this ensemble of auspicious emblems and Buddhist deities represent the seven jewels (‘sapta-ratnas’) of Buddhism.
The two kneeling figures are the donors. The man is gesturing in veneration (‘anjali’), and his wife is holding an offering in her lap. The entire scene is presided over by an assembly of 26 meditating Buddhas.
Although this is a small-scale work, the quality of the carving is remarkably high. The sculptor has given life and character to each of the figures by varying their postures and gestures and so created an animated and engaging scene.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Veneration of the book (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Sandstone |
| Brief description | Relief depicting veneration of the book, sandstone, Bodh Gaya, India, 11th-12th century |
| Physical description | Stone panel carved with a representation of the veneration of the book, figures of animals and various sacred emblems |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Credit line | Given by W Porter |
| Object history | Gifted by W Porter, Esq |
| Production | Bodh Gaya, Bihar, Eastern India |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This sandstone panel is decorated with an assembly of seated figures performing homage to the pedestal-stand in the centre of the composition. The stand supports a cloth-wrapped manuscript (‘pustaka’) that symbolises the Buddha’s teachings. To the right of the manuscript is a large bulbous jar with lotus flowers, intended to evoke the purity of the Buddha. A burning incense brazier has been placed before it. Taken together this ensemble of auspicious emblems and Buddhist deities represent the seven jewels (‘sapta-ratnas’) of Buddhism. The two kneeling figures are the donors. The man is gesturing in veneration (‘anjali’), and his wife is holding an offering in her lap. The entire scene is presided over by an assembly of 26 meditating Buddhas. Although this is a small-scale work, the quality of the carving is remarkably high. The sculptor has given life and character to each of the figures by varying their postures and gestures and so created an animated and engaging scene. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | IS.659-1883 |
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| Record created | March 21, 2002 |
| Record URL |
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