Buddha and Attendants

INDIA

This sculpture was possibly retrieved from Nalanda and its fine workmanship indicates it was created during the Pala period (circa 8th–12th century). The main statue is Sakyamuni Buddha, who sites in full lotus posture on a lotus throne and forms the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra with the right hand, while the left hand rests on the lap. A monastic robe covers the left shoulder the folds are represented by incised lines that fan out from a point near the neck. The nimbus is decorated with twisted flower garlands and surrounded by a ring of flames. Apsaras holding flower garlands float on either side of the nimbus. Three Bodhi leaves, shaped as a canopy are located above the nimbus.
The two standing Buddhas are reminiscent of the Sarnath style during the Gupta period (circa 320–550). They wear smooth, diaphanous robes that cover both shoulders and stand in the tribhanga posture on lotus pedestals. The pedestal beneath the lotus throne has three reliefs. The elephant in the central relief supports the throne, while there is a crouching lion on either side. A kneeling ascetic can be seen on either edge of the base.The figure on the left holds a flower garland, while the other has palms joined.