Buddha taming the wild elephant
ca. 9th-10th century
Buddhism 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.
Black chlorite
19 1/2 x 11 1/2 x 4 1/4 in. (49.53 x 29.21 x 10.8 cm)
Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection
44.64
ID Image taken by Michele Miller 6/6/2016