Buddha Preaching the Dharma (Buddhist Law)
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Ivory
Dimensions
H. 12 13/16 in. (32.5 cm); W. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm); D. 3 7/16 in. (8.7 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture & Period
Sri Lanka (Kandy district) · Kandyan period (1480–1815)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Barry Fernando, M.D. and Coleene Fernando, M.D., 2010
Accession Number
2010.475.6
Tags
Art Historical Context
In the heart of Sri Lanka's Kandyan period (1480–1815), this exquisite ivory sculpture captures *Buddha Preaching the Dharma* (Buddhist Law), a profound moment of enlightenment shared with his followers. Crafted by an unknown artist in the18th century from the Kandy district, piece stands at 12 13/16 inches tall, its compact form (just over 3 inches wide and) allowing for intimate contemplation. Seated in a classic teaching pose, the Buddha the transmission of dharma—core Buddhist teachings on ethics, meditation, and wisdom—reflecting the era's deep devotion to Theravada Buddhism. Ivory, a lu...