10th-11th century, India, Bihar, Crowned Buddha, bronze with silver inlay, lapis lazuli and rock crystal, 32,1 cm, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (USA).
The historical buddha is seated on a double lotus atop a ‘tortoise pedestal’ inlaid with lapis lazuli and rock crystal (mainly missing), surrounded by a flaming arch once topped by a parasol, his right hand ‘calling Earth to witness’, the other held in the meditation gesture to hold a begging bowl. He wears a crown, earrings, a necklace, and a sacred thread.
10th-11th century, Northeastern India, crowned Buddha, bronze with silver inlay, private collection, 7,3 cm, private collection, photo on Christie’s
This one is seated on a tall Pala-style base with incised (rather than sculpted) petals. He wears a short necklace and there is a large armband on his naked arm, and a bracelet. His crown is decorated with rosettes and ribbons that fall over his shoulders. His eyes, the large urna on his forehead, and part of his crown and jewellery are inlaid with silver.
11th century, India, Bihar, Kurkihar, Crowned Buddha, bronze, 16,7 cm, published by John Siudmak, Indian and Himalayan Sculpture and Thankas, 2011, Fig. 5.
This sculpture includes stone-inlaid accessories. He is seated on a single lotus base.
11th century, Northeastern India, Shakyamuni, copper alloy with silver and copper inlay, traces of gilding, at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York (USA).
While silver inlay is a standard procedure for the eyes and urna, the use of copper for the lips and parts of the garment and/or accessories is not quite as common on works made in Eastern India during the Pala period.
Himalayan Buddhist Art - Art Bouddhiste de l'Himalaya 