Figure wearing headdress
The figure features a stylised fan-shaped headdress and concave ears. Its bulging eyes are represented by perforations, with a prominent nose and broad open mouth with parted lips. The figure possesses a powerful, almost theatrical expression.
Female Head
This terracotta head of a woman, recovered from the historic site of Piprahwa, serves as a vivid example of the artistic style that flourished during the Kushana period (c. 2nd–3rd century CE). The piece is immediately striking for its “fleshy” realism; unlike the flat and rigid figures of earlier eras, this face is modeled with […]
Head of the Buddha
Terracotta Buddha heads, often recovered as isolated fragments, offer valuable insight into stylistic influences and regional artistic practices. This youthful Buddha head from Piprahwa is identified by its curly hair, half-closed meditative eyes, and serene expression. The prominent nose, thick lower lip, and gentle smile formed by the slight mouth slit are rendered with remarkable […]
Votive Plaque showing Buddha in earth touching gesture (Bhumisparsha mudra)
In Thai art, the tradition of crafting votive tablets and plaques has been a significant cultural practice since the Ayutthaya period. These artefacts are not only religious symbols but also serve as vital historical records of the era. The design of this particular figure, along with its decorative niche, showcases a harmonious blend of styles […]
Worship of Tri-ratna
This Gandhara schist relief portrays the worship of the Tri-ratna, or Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community). Devotees and monks are shown in reverent poses around the symbolic wheel motifs, emphasizing devotion and faith. The central figure lifting the sacred symbol suggests divine support for the Buddhist doctrine. The detailed drapery, […]
Subjugation of Nalagiri
The sculpture depicts an episode from Buddhist tradition known as one of the four minor miracles of the Buddha, illustrating his profound compassion and loving-kindness (Maitri). The Buddha is portrayed standing in a decorative trefoil niche, while a subjugated elephant is depicted as a small figure near his feet. The sculpture appears to be part […]
Ten-armed Lokeshvara
In Southeast Asian art, Avalokiteshvara is widely represented as Lokeshvara, a tradition that took root in the Pala period in India. In Khmer art, Lokeshvara’s iconography follows a similar representation as seen in the Pala idiom. In his regal depiction, Lokeshvara is also referred to as the protector of the world (lokeshvararaja), a title also taken by […]
The monkey gifting a honey bowl to Buddha at Vaishali
This Seated Buddha with a honey bowl, from Bihar and belonging to the Pala school of art, exemplifies refined craftsmanship in black basalt. The Buddha is shown in dhyana mudra, seated on a double-lotus pedestal with a serene expression, symbolizing deep meditation. The honey bowl in his lap represents compassion and the sweetness of enlightenment, […]
Buddhapada or Footprint of the Buddha
This black stone Buddhapada is carved beneath the dome of a votive stūpa, featuring a socket above for the insertion of a chattrāvalī (umbrella finial). The sacred footprint bears auspicious symbols including a wheel (cakra), conch shell, spouted vessel on a pedestal, floral motif resembling the sun, and a crown flanked by a winged male […]
Buddha in royal-ease posture (lalitasana)
The Amitabha Buddha is portrayed in the dharmachakra mudra, a gesture symbolising the turning of the wheel of Dharma, seated in the elegant pendant-leg posture, known as lalitasana. This intricately crafted wooden sculpture comprises three distinct parts: the sturdy base that provides stability, the beautifully detailed lotus seat symbolising purity and enlightenment, and the serene […]