Artists across Asia often depict the Historical Buddha with his left hand resting in meditation and his right hand lowered to touch the earth. The gestures signal his victory over death and desire—the impediments to profound spiritual knowledge.
In recognition of his special status, Buddha images are consecrated through rituals that imbue sculptures and paintings with a sacred power. Consecration is not permanent, however. When displayed in a museum, objects are typically appreciated for their aesthetic or historical importance rather than their sacred presence.
Central Tibet, 14th century
Gilt copper with pigment
Purchase—Friends of Asian Arts in honor of the 10th Anniversary of the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery; Arthur M. Sackler Gallery S1997.28
Return to Buddha Across Borders
Why is my hair blue?
In Tibet, blue was the color of choice for the Buddha’s curls, even though Buddhist texts describe his hair simply as “dark.” Wealthy donors demonstrated their piety and generosity by commissioning large images fashioned from precious materials. Blue pigments, made from the mineral lapis or azurite, were considered luxurious because they were expensive imports. Such opulent goods conveyed the donor’s respect for the Buddha, as well as his or her social status.
Why am I touching the ground?
Mara, the god of death and desire, tried to prevent the Buddha from attaining enlightenment by disrupting his meditation. His victory over Mara (that is, over death and desire) set the stage for the Buddha’s awakening. Artists represent this miraculous moment by depicting his right hand lowered to call forth the earth goddess, who testified to his countless virtuous past lives. Although he did not actually become the Buddha until the next day, the “earth-touching” gesture serves as a reminder of all the events that led to his enlightenment and buddhahood.