Standing Disciple Mahakasyapa Holding a Cylindrical Reliquary
Unknown Artist
c. 550
Medium
limestone with traces of pigment
Dimensions
{"overall":{"height":1.16,"width":0.33,"depth":0.25}}
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Chinese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund
Accession Number
1972.166
About this artwork
Mahakasyapa, the disciple of Shakyamuni, is presented with closed eyes in an expression of meditative concentration. He is holding a reliquary for the Buddha’s ashes, which symbolize the Buddha entering final spiritual attainment (nirvana) at death. The artistic simplicity exemplifies the spiritual content of this figure.