Arkivism
Veneration of the Buddha as a Fiery Pillar
CC0 · no rights reserved

Veneration of the Buddha as a Fiery Pillar

200s CE · limestone

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

At the bottom of this carved panel is the depiction of a pillar incised with cross-hatching and surrounded by a halo of flames. A stylized lotus and a pointed trident symbol marking good fortune and divinity crown the pillar. This image indicates the presence of the Buddha and underscores his superhuman qualities, including radiance and power to work magic. Two male figures hold fly whisks of honor on either side. Above is a golden pillar covered with jewels that the Buddha miraculously generated. Swirling leaves sprout from grooved disks at regular intervals, and celestial beings fly and dance in praise.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineVeneration of the Buddha as a Fiery Pillar, 200s CE. Southern India, Andhra Pradesh, Nagarjunakonda. Limestone; overall: 59 cm (23 1/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund, 1943.72
Open in Explore View at source

Similar works

Seated AsceticsSeated Ascetics Limestone funerary stele with volutes and a Hathor headLimestone funerary stele with volutes and a Hathor head Pyxis fragmentPyxis fragment Seated AsceticsSeated Ascetics Marble relief fragment with scenes from the Trojan WarMarble relief fragment with scenes from the Trojan War Furniture plaque carved in relief with a striding, falcon-headed winged sphinx supported by two kneeling figuresFurniture plaque carved in relief with a striding, falcon-headed winged sphinx supported by two kneeling figures