Hand of Buddha Sculpture, 18th to 19th Century
Tibet Autonomous Region, China
Gilt bronze; 3 …

Images(2)

Hand of Buddha Sculpture

ClassificationsSculpture

Date18th to 19th Century

Made AtTibet Autonomous Region, China, Asia

MediumGilt bronze

Dimensions3 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 5 1/2 in. (8.9 × 6.4 × 14 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2021.8.3

DescriptionThis is the hand of what was originally a larger Buddhist sculpture. During and following China’s annexation of Tibet, many temples were ransacked, and it was common for soldiers to deface the sculptures in some way. It is likely that this hand was cut off during that period. The hands of Buddhas are important components of a figure’s overall meaning. Their gestures are called mudras and represent different aspects of Dharma. This gesture has several different names, one of which is karana-mudra. It is generally considered as a sign of banishing evil.

On View

Not on view

Collections