Date:ca. 2nd century
Culture:Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara, Swat Valley)
Medium:Schist with gold leaf
Dimensions:H. 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm); W. 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm); D. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)
Classification:Sculpture
Credit Line:Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alan D. Wolfe, in memory of Samuel Eilenberg, 1998
In this panel the ascetic Megha (the Buddha Shakyamuni in a past life) appears three times: first, standing before the Buddha Dipankara throwing flowers; second, prostrate before the Buddha spreading his matted locks over mud; and third, flying in the upper left of the panel in a gesture of veneration.
This story is the critical beginning of the Gandharan narrative cycle, as the Buddha Dipankara predicts that in a future life Megha will reach enlightenment and become the Buddha Shakyamuni.
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Captions
Sumedha and Dīpankara Buddha, 2nd century, Gandhāra. Here, Sumedha is depicted offering flowers to Dīpankara Buddha..
Sumedha offrant des fleurs à Dīpankara, 2e siècle, Gandhāra.