ART HISTORY - BUDDHIST ART

Buddhist art refers to the rich and diverse representations of religious images, sculpture, dance, visual mythology, and symbols deriving from the various Buddhist communities found around the world. Buddhist art exhibits distinctive forms and characteristics reflecting the diverse cultures and countries in which it has spread.

Early Buddhist art emerged in India and Sri Lanka following the death of Gautama Buddha (563 B.C.E. to 483 B.C.E.). This original, formative period of Buddhist art was aniconic in character (avoiding direct representation of the human figure). However, around the first century C.E., following the Greek invasion of northwestern India and Buddhist contact with Hellenistic culture in the Indo-Greek Kingdoms, an iconic period of Buddhist art began to flourish in India. The growth of Buddhist art, in turn, influenced the development of Hindu art, until Buddhism virtually disappeared in India around the tenth century due, in part, to the vigorous expansion of both Islam and Hinduism.

From its original homeland of India, Buddhist art was transported to other parts of Asia and the world, adapting to local styles and norms in each new host country. Today, Buddhist art constitues an important part of overall Buddhist cultural legacy.

A Buddhist mandala from the Tibetan tradition.

Great Buddha of Kamakura

The enormous bronze statue of the seated Buddha at Kōtoku-in temple in Kamakura, Japan is one of the country’s most recognized symbols. Made during the 13th century, the sculpture depicts the Buddha in the lotus position, with legs folded and hands just touching while resting on his lap. The statue is hollow, and visitors can view the interior, now filled with graffiti.