NG422, Bracket with Buddha, Brahma and Śakra/Indra

Photographer

Raducha, Joan Anastasia

Date

• ca. 100-ca. 299

Summary

• Panel in front of a bracket bordered at the bottom front by a plain fillet. Brahma and Śakra/Indra entreat the Buddha to preach. The haloed Buddha is seated on a low platform with incised lines indicating grass. His hands are held in the dhyāna mudrā. On his right is Brahma, haloed and shown as is usual with the topknot of an ascetic. He holds a water vessel in his right hand raises his left hand towards the Buddha in a sign of entreaty. On the Buddha's other side is the turbaned figure of Śakra/Indra, who bows his head with hands raised in añjali mudrā. This composition is generally recognized as the moment when the deities ask the newly enlightened Buddha to preach for the betterment of all beings. There is a vertical groove on the tenon at the back of the panel.