Buddha taming the wild elephant
Dateca. 9th-10th century
Label TextBuddhism flourished under the Pala empire, and this northeastern region became the last stronghold of the Buddhist faith in the country of its origin. This scene of the Buddha taming the wild elephant takes on an iconic quality, with narrative aspects reduced to the most basic elements. The mad elephant Nalagiri was released by the Buddha's scheming cousin Devadatta, with the intent of killing the Buddha. The elephant becomes utterly pacified in the presence of the Buddha and is shown here kneeling before him in adoration. The Buddha stands on a lotus pedestal, and the small figure to his left with a staff and bowl is believed to be one of the Buddha's followers.
Object number44.64
Photo CreditID Image taken by Michele Miller 6/6/2016
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Indian Buddhist Sculpture", February 3 - August 20, 1990, (02/03/1990 - 08/20/1990)
Portland, Oregon, Portland Art Museum, "Gift to a City: Masterworks from the Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection in the Seattle Art Museum", cat. # 76Published References"Gift to a City" exhibition catalogue. Portland, OR: Portland Art Museum, 1965, cat. no. 76Credit LineEugene Fuller Memorial Collection
Dimensions19 1/2 x 11 1/2 x 4 1/4 in. (49.53 x 29.21 x 10.8 cm)
MediumBlack chlorite
Indian
ca. mid-9th century
Object number: 39.35
Object number: 33.811
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