Schist panel showing the enlightenment of the Buddha, <a href="https://asia.si.edu/object/F1949.9a-d/"target="_blank">National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian, F1949.9d</a>; Late 2nd to early 3rd century; Gandhāra; EXH1b: F1949.9b
Schist panel showing the enlightenment of the Buddha, <a href="https://asia.si.edu/object/F1949.9a-d/"target="_blank">National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian, F1949.9d</a>; Late 2nd to early 3rd century; Gandhāra; EXH1b: F1949.9b
Schist panel showing the enlightenment of the Buddha, <a href="https://asia.si.edu/object/F1949.9a-d/"target="_blank">National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian, F1949.9d</a>; Late 2nd to early 3rd century; Gandhāra; EXH1b: F1949.9b

Name/TitleSchist panel showing the enlightenment of the Buddha, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian, F1949.9d

About this objectCarved schist panel showing the enlightenment of the Buddha after 40 days of meditating underneath a pipal tree (Ficus religiosa). He has resisted the demons sent to distract him and, at his moment of enlightenment, touches the ground—the earth goddess—with his right hand as witness.

Date MadeLate 2nd to early 3rd century

PeriodKushan

Place MadeGandhāra

Subject and Association KeywordsOrigins

Subject and Association DescriptionLearn More: Behrendt 2005: 2, 383–92; Behrendt 2012; Huntington 2015; Ratan Parimoo 1982; Seckel 2004: 28–31; Shaw 2015: 48.

Medium and MaterialsSchist

TechniqueRelief

TechniqueCarved

Measurements67 x ?? x 9.8 cm

Credit LineNational Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian.

Object numberEXH1b: F1949.9b

Back to Exhibits Page