Pakistani / Model of a stupa (Buddhist shrine) / ca. 4th century

Pakistani
Model of a stupa (Buddhist shrine)
ca. 4th century
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Creator Nationality: Asian; Indian Sub-Continent; Pakistani
Creator Name-CRT: Pakistani
Title: Model of a stupa (Buddhist shrine)
Title Type: Object name
View: Full View
Creation Start Date: 280
Creation End Date: 419
Creation Date: ca. 4th century
Object Type: Sculpture
Materials and Techniques: bronze
Dimensions: H. 22 3/4 in. (57.8 cm), W. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm)
AMICA Contributor: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location: New York, New York, USA
ID Number: 1985.387ab
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Bruckmann, 1985
Rights: http://www.metmuseum.org/
Context:

Stupas, the earliest Buddhist monuments preserved in India, began as solid hemispherical domes that marked the remains of a great leader or teacher. They were incorporated into early Buddhist art as symbols of the continuing presence of Shakyamuni Buddha after his 'parinirvana' (final transcendence), and as reminders of the path he defined for his followers. Buddhism carried the stupa throughout Asia, where it was interpreted in many forms, including the domed chortens of Tibet and the spired pagodas of China, Korea, and Japan. The square base and ovoid dome derive from monuments built in northwest India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan during the rule of the Kushans, from the late first to the third century A.D. The dome of the stupa is separated from its square base by a lotus pedestal and four rampant griffins in this somewhat fanciful reliquary. It is further elaborated by four columns, capped by miniature stupas, that encircle the dome and four somewhat enigmatic, columnlike forms on the top of the base.

AMICA ID: MMA_.1985.387ab
AMICA Library Year: 2000
Media Metadata Rights: Copyright The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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