Artwork preview

Buddha Preaching the First Sermon at Sarnath

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dark gray stone sculpture of Buddha sitting cross-legged on a lotus flower throne. He sits on a rectangular base with intricate carvings. The figure sits with hands clasped in front of chest. He wears a simple robe draped over shoulders, and head is adorned with a tall, pointed crown. Behind the figure, an intricately carved triangular pediment features a central section with a pointed top and two pillars on either side. A carving of an animal, possibly a deer or a lion, appears on the left side of the pediment. The background of the image is a gradient gray.

Artwork details

Date:
11th century
Medium:
Black stone
Culture:
India (Bihar, probably Nalanda)
Dimensions:
468 × 625 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette