South Asia: Pala Sculpture and Painting
Artist: unknown
Title: Buddha displaying dharmacakramudra
Material: copper alloy
Site: Nalanda
Current Location: Nalanda Museum, Nalanda, India
Period/Date: Ca. 9th century
Iconography/Iconology: Although no inscribed image from India identifies
this type of figure, the type is generally associated with the Buddha Maitreya
preaching at the time of Ketumati. He is specifically characterized by
the pendant leg position, which is called bhadra asana, which he
displays during this teaching.
Stylistic Comments: The distinctive feature of the legs appearing
as virtually undraped, while it is surrounded by a shell-like edge of drapery,
is unique to the Nalanda style. The rectalinear throne-back, details of
the halo, and decorative elements between the halo and the cross-bar of
the throne are typical of the Nalanda style.
