The Monk Buddhashri
Figure
16th century (made)
16th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This is a ‘portrait’ bronze of an eminent teacher of the late 12th century. Buddhashri has one hand raised in the gesture of exposition, vitarkhamudra. In the other he holds a religious manuscript. Although some features of the actual person depicted may be included in stylised form in such a bronze, this is not a portrait in the strict sense. The image belongs to a sizeable group of ‘portrait’ bronzes with inscriptions, produced from the 15th to the 17th century.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | The Monk Buddhashri (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Bronze, with inlaid copper lips and copper eyes |
| Brief description | The Monk Buddhashri, bronze with inlaid copper lips and silver and copper eyes, Tibet, 16th century |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | (Tibetan; U Chen)
|
| Object history | Purchased for £200 |
| Historical context | A "portrait" bronze of an eminent teacher of the late twelfth century. Buddhashri has one hand raised in the gesture of exposition (vitarkamudra), whilst a manuscript (of the Buddha's teachings) is held in the other. This image is almost certainly not a portrait in the strict sense, but representations of historical figures exhibit an individuality as if they have acquired an "official" physiognomy which is passed down over time. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This is a ‘portrait’ bronze of an eminent teacher of the late 12th century. Buddhashri has one hand raised in the gesture of exposition, vitarkhamudra. In the other he holds a religious manuscript. Although some features of the actual person depicted may be included in stylised form in such a bronze, this is not a portrait in the strict sense. The image belongs to a sizeable group of ‘portrait’ bronzes with inscriptions, produced from the 15th to the 17th century. |
| Bibliographic reference | Tibetan art / John Lowry. London: H. M. Stationery Office, 1973
p. 37, pl. 13
Published
J.Lowry, 1977, pl.13 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IS.10:1-1971 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | February 14, 2000 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
