Kneeling Figure

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

An impressive sculptural ceramic of a male Buddhist devotee, kneeling and holding his raised hands in veneration (anjali). He is robed in a long tunic-style coat worn over a waistcloth, and he wears slippers and a pointed hat. Decorative details are highlighted in iron-painted black. This is one of the most complete figurines known and one of the most descriptive in terms of the costume of the period. It is very much a sculptural work, conceived fully in the round, fully engaging the viewer's attention. This work was intended to serve as an offering image to be placed before an altar, or Buddha image as a surrogate presence for a notable donor-devotee.

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