Seated Preaching Buddha

Art Historical Context

This majestic *Seated Preaching Buddha carved in the 9th century during Java's Central Javanese, exemplifies the pinnacle of Indonesian Buddhist sculpture. Crafted from andesite—a durable volcanic stone quarried locally—the statue measures 28⅛ inches high and 34⅛ inches wide, capturing the Buddha in a serene seated posture with hands likely forming the teaching mudra (varada or vitarka), symbolizing the dissemination ofharma. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1982, it now graces the Asian Art department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Originating from the Sailendra dynasty's era (8th–10t...