Buddha, bronze figure of, Marching. The figure, in marching position, is stiffle erect, the left foot forward; the left arm is bent at the elbow, the hand raised, palm outward; the right arm, braceleted at the elbow, is down. The ears are weighted, without earrings, and the hair, composed of small, spiky curls, is surmounted by a flame. Some of his features, which display the supernatural anatomy of Buddha, include projecting heels, long fingers, smooth skin the color of gold and elongated arms. The figure wears a straight, girdled robe,leaving the right shoulder bare. Traces of gilding remain on back of robe, under left arm, on hair and in ears.

Walking Shakyamuni Buddha, 15th century

Unknown artist, Thailandexpand_more

Bronze with traces of pigmentexpand_more

The William Hood Dunwoody Fundexpand_more  31.115

On View in Gallery 213expand_more

This sculpture highlights the Buddha as a teacher of the people, walking peacefully yet radiantly with lowered eyes. The historical Buddha—born Siddhartha Gautama, but more commonly known in Buddhism as Shakyamuni (Sage of the Shakya Clan)—renounced his princely life at age 29 after becoming aware of the suffering inherent in human life. Upon attaining enlightenment, he devoted his life to teaching people throughout northern India about a means of escaping suffering—through a combination of wisdom and compassion. Sculptures of so-called Walking Buddhas, with an elegantly draped monastic robe and sinuous limbs, are a trademark of the Sukhothai Kingdom of Thailand, which flourished in the 1300s and 1400s.

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Details
Title
Walking Shakyamuni Buddha
Role
Artist
Dimension
50 1/2 in. (128.27 cm)
Accession Number
31.115
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Buddha, bronze figure of, Marching. The figure, in marching position, is stiffle erect, the left foot forward; the left arm is bent at the elbow, the hand raised, palm outward; the right arm, braceleted at the elbow, is down. The ears are weighted, without earrings, and the hair, composed of small, spiky curls, is surmounted by a flame. Some of his features, which display the supernatural anatomy of Buddha, include projecting heels, long fingers, smooth skin the color of gold and elongated arms. The figure wears a straight, girdled robe,leaving the right shoulder bare. Traces of gilding remain on back of robe, under left arm, on hair and in ears.

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