Photos | 10 faces of enlightenment: Ancient Buddhas from around the world

ht weekend

By Rachel Lopez

Updated On May 16, 2021 03:05 pm IST

The Buddha has been represented in stone, wood, copper, bronze, iron, wood and jade across the world, over the centuries. Here’s a selection that showcases how what sets them apart and still unites them as one.

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1 / 10

Updated on May 16, 2021 03:05 pm IST

From 1st century, Pakistan: A bronze from the ancient Gandharan region. Note Buddha’s unusual serrated halo.(Image courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art)

2 / 10

Updated on May 16, 2021 03:05 pm IST

From 3rd century, Pakistan: A fasting Bodhisattva, which explains the gaunt appearance and sunken-in cheeks. The downturned mouth a rare depiction, but a common feature to depict austerity in Buddhism.(Image courtesy: British Museum)

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Updated on May 16, 2021 03:05 pm IST

From 4th century, Afghanistan: With his wavy hair, bridgeless nose, and naturalistic lips, Buddha looks almost like Apollo.(Image courtesy: Smithsonian Museum)

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Updated on May 16, 2021 03:05 pm IST

From 4th century, China: Git-bronze from Khotan, a kingdom located on the branch of the Silk Road that ran along the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert in the Tarim Basin in modern Xinjiang.(Image courtesy: Tokyo National Museum)

5 / 10

Updated on May 16, 2021 03:05 pm IST

From 6th Century, India: This serene representation of the Buddha, in sandstone, was exhibited at the Indian Museum, Kolkata, for an exhibition of Indian Buddhist Art in 2012.(Image courtesy: Sarnath Archaeological Museum)

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Updated on May 16, 2021 03:05 pm IST

From 7th century, Cambodia: Sandstone, larger than life-size, the style typifies the sculpture of the Zhenla kingdom.(Image courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art)

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Updated on May 16, 2021 03:05 pm IST

From 9th century, Korea: From the far reaches of the spread of Buddhism, a soft expression in cast iron. Buddha’s features were subtly adapted to appeal to east Asia.(Image courtesy: Detroit Institute of Arts)

8 / 10

Updated on May 16, 2021 03:05 pm IST

From 11th century, Nepal: Copper, semi-precious stones and decorative details, used to convey messages of simplicity.(Image courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art)

9 / 10

Updated on May 16, 2021 03:05 pm IST

From 13th century, Thailand: Soft sandstone, to capture the expression right between wisdom and tranquillity. The long earlobes a sign of heavy jewellery left behind.(Image courtesy: Victoria & Albert Museum)

10 / 10

Updated on May 16, 2021 03:05 pm IST

From 18th century, Sri Lanka: Robust feature stand out in gilded copper, a style common in the Kandyan period.(Image courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachel Lopez

Rachel Lopez is a a writer and editor with the Hindustan Times. She has worked with the Times Group, Time Out and Vogue and has a special interest in city history, culture, etymology and internet and society. Read Less ...Read More

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Photos | 10 faces of enlightenment: Ancient Buddhas from around the world

The Buddha has been represented in stone, wood, copper, bronze, iron, wood and jade across the world, over the centuries. Here’s a selection that showcases how what sets them apart and still unites them as one.

From 1st century, Pakistan: A bronze from the ancient Gandharan region. Note Buddha’s unusual serrated halo.(Image courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art)

From 3rd century, Pakistan: A fasting Bodhisattva, which explains the gaunt appearance and sunken-in cheeks. The downturned mouth a rare depiction, but a common feature to depict austerity in Buddhism.(Image courtesy: British Museum)

From 4th century, Afghanistan: With his wavy hair, bridgeless nose, and naturalistic lips, Buddha looks almost like Apollo.(Image courtesy: Smithsonian Museum)

From 4th century, China: Git-bronze from Khotan, a kingdom located on the branch of the Silk Road that ran along the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert in the Tarim Basin in modern Xinjiang.(Image courtesy: Tokyo National Museum)

From 6th Century, India: This serene representation of the Buddha, in sandstone, was exhibited at the Indian Museum, Kolkata, for an exhibition of Indian Buddhist Art in 2012.(Image courtesy: Sarnath Archaeological Museum)

From 7th century, Cambodia: Sandstone, larger than life-size, the style typifies the sculpture of the Zhenla kingdom.(Image courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art)

From 9th century, Korea: From the far reaches of the spread of Buddhism, a soft expression in cast iron. Buddha’s features were subtly adapted to appeal to east Asia.(Image courtesy: Detroit Institute of Arts)

From 11th century, Nepal: Copper, semi-precious stones and decorative details, used to convey messages of simplicity.(Image courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art)

From 13th century, Thailand: Soft sandstone, to capture the expression right between wisdom and tranquillity. The long earlobes a sign of heavy jewellery left behind.(Image courtesy: Victoria & Albert Museum)

From 18th century, Sri Lanka: Robust feature stand out in gilded copper, a style common in the Kandyan period.(Image courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art)

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