Seated Buddha

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This small image probably represents Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, in his enlightened state, seated in the posture of meditation. Short whorls of hair (rahotsu) cover the head, and a cranial protuberance symbolizes his profound wisdom. The hands, which were cast separately, would have formed the characteristic mudras associated with his image: the right, raised and open in a gesture of reassurance, represents the benevolent gift of life without fear that is the result of Buddhist enlightenment; the left, resting on the knee with palm open, extended to the worshipper in a gesture of offering, symbolizes the fulfillment of the Buddha's vow to attain enlightenment and to teach it to all sentient beings.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art