Buddhism can be very confusing. It has spread through many countries since 300 AD and has been through countless variations. However, there is only one true buddha. That's why this gallery focus' on the time period of it's beginning. I chose pieces within 400BC - 500AD in the land of "The" Buddha himself, India. Siddartha Guataman, "The" Buddha, has changed within artists' portrations throughout time. I chose to stop the timeline at 500 AD because this was a period during the first peak of indian art and also the end of the "Gupta Era". After this, a large influence of christianity took place, and Buddhism didn't make a comeback until the 17th century. The collection involves mainly sculptures. These pieces depict, the life, mother (Maya Devi), and Ashoka (a leader during the Mauryan Dynasty who converted to Buddhism after defeating a village under his command). Many people believe that the fat jolly man we usually see as Buddha is the original. But Early art, and scripts translated from India tells us otherwise.
Worship of Bodhi tree representing Krakuchchhanda Buddha, Sunga period, ca. 2nd century B.C.E., From the collection of: Indian Museum, Kolkata
200-101 BCE. This piece is made of Sandstone, used for common construction in India. This inscription was a sign of it being a gift. The lines are soft from wear on the sandstone and the lines are revealing organic shapes but there is not much clarity in the design. There are little to no faces on the worshippers surrounding the tree. What is visible is generic and not depicting anyone of importance.
Worship of Bodhi tree representing Kanakamuni Buddha, unknown, 100-200 C.E, From the collection of: Indian Museum, Kolkata
Made of sandstone, a common resource in India, this is another depiction of the Bodhi Tree Siddhartha meditated under. His worshippers are decorating it and worshipping. This is an depiction that shows more action and makes a more of a religious statement of worship rather than the following of a mortal. There is more bountiful vegetation shown with Lotus flowers representing enlightenment.
Amaravati Stupas, -0200, From the collection of: Archaeological Survey of India
This is a print taken off a sandstone slab found in India. This is an archeological representations of one of the stupas built by Asoki, as Buddhism was consuming India. A place of worship The continuous busy flow of the design all fitting together with a natural flow follows the followings of the buddha. There are lions symbolizing some sort of representation of the energy surrounding Buddha. The lines in these pictures and stories are all very even. This makes the picture look more like one story although many events are taking place in this piece.
Buddha in meditation, ca. 2nd Century C.E., From the collection of: Indian Museum, Kolkata
Made of black bedrock in India, The pose is the most important art form to observe. Buddha is in his meditation pose. Eyes shut, focusing on nirvana, practicing full awareness. His clothes lie relaxed and wrap his body. The relief behind his head is a notorious chair Buddha is depicted sitting in many times throughout art history. These bedrock statues are generally more detailed in emotion and action than their sibling sculptures made from sandstone.
Life scenes of the Buddha, unknown, 400-500 C.E, From the collection of: Indian Museum, Kolkata
Made from Sandstone this vertical relief is the story of Buddha's life. The story goes from bottom to top, progressing towards a higher power of enlightenment. He is sheltered and has shadows cast upon him in every level except the final, his death. The story also shows the five steps to a Buddha's life and reflects that which Buddhism originated in beliefs. The people who around him change in form. They start and beautiful women, become kneeling followers, and end with weakened figures
Buddha Shakyamuni, Unknown, 3rd-4th century, From the collection of: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Mottled red sandstone brings a warm feeling as the pose of this buddha offers protection. There are many poses of buddha and this is the most popular. His hand is raised not only showing action but representing the enlightenment he has discovered. A slab is used as a relief.
Buddha Shakyamuni, Unknown, 400-600, From the collection of: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Tan chloritic schist was used to make this sculpture. It became a popular bedrock still used today in Indian Art. The shapes are becoming more rounded as we move toward the end of the Gupta period and a softness takes over the face. The figure of "The" buddha has remained constant thus far.
Buddha Head, Unknown, 500 AD - 600 AD, From the collection of: National Museum - New Delhi
Made of sandstone, this piece elaborates on specific details in Siddhartha's face. His ears hang in low, his hair in tight curls, contrasting the smoothness of his face. His lips pressed gently and his brow is relaxed. The shadows projected by the smooth contours of this statue, only emphasize a third dimension and do not harshly darken the mood of what should be a calming sculpture.
Standing Buddha, unknown, 400-500 C.E, From the collection of: National Museum - New Delhi
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
