Votive Tablet

INDIA

This ivory tablet displays a rich brown patina producing a mellow effect. The large figures in the center represent Sakyamuni Buddha at different stages of his quest for enlightenment. The main image shows Sakyamuni undertaking ascetic practice; his eyes are sunken and his body is emaciated while he performs the dhyana (meditation) mudra. On the left, Sakyamuni appears very weak from his ascetic practice. The female figure immediately below is Sujata, who offers him milk rice. On the right, Sakyamuni has regained his strength, and he holds an alms bowl in the palm of his left hand while wearing a monastic robe, indicating that he has achieved enlightenment.
Below the heavenly beings in the upper register, there are yaksas and the heads of ascetics framing the arch. In the lower register, there is a daily life scene. The figures may be Sujata’s father and villagers paying homage to the Buddha.