Mould for Buddha calling the Earth to witness - 923.24.217.a_1

923.24.217.a_1

Mould for Buddha calling the Earth to witness

Medium:Cast bronze
Geography: China
Date: 1736 - 1796 AD
Period: Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period
Dimensions:
10 x 8 x 3 cm
Object number: 923.24.217.A
Credit Line: The George Crofts Collection
On view
Gallery Location:Matthews Family Court of Chinese Sculpture
DescriptionAs the Buddha meditated in the wilderness, the god of Death, Mara, tried to distract him with temptations of beautiful women, and by assaulting him. The Buddha pointed at the Earth, calling it to witness his worthiness for Buddhahood. The Earth shook in assent and Mara fled. This two-part bronze mould for casting plaster Buddhas shows the Buddha pointing at the Earth. Buddhist charms are inscribed in Chinese, Manchu, Mongolian and Tibetan.
Collection:
China
Department: World Cultures: Far Eastern
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