Enthroned Buddha Granting Boons

Enthroned Buddha Granting Boons

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This Buddha is one of the three earliest datable sculptures associated with the kingdom of Gilgit in northern Pakistan. All were commissioned by Queen Mangalahamsika, known from Gilgit manuscripts to have been the senior queen to King Vajraditayanandi (reigned ca. 600). The Sanskrit donor inscription engraved on the front cartouche states: “Om. This is a pious gift. This pious gift was ordered to be made by the Shri Paramadevi [Highest Queen] Mangalahamsika” (trans. O. von Hinueber).

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Enthroned Buddha Granting BoonsEnthroned Buddha Granting BoonsEnthroned Buddha Granting BoonsEnthroned Buddha Granting BoonsEnthroned Buddha Granting Boons

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.