Item: Shakyamuni Buddha

While the evil force of Mara bombarded Siddhartha with illusions and temptations, the King of Gods, Indra (or Sakra; who has Vedic origins) intervened to help the Buddha. By sending messengers including his own son and beautiful celestial dancers (apsara), he prevented Mara's demon army from interfering with the Buddha's meditation. This small ivory carving depicts that divine intervention, shortly after which the Buddha achieved enlightenment. Thereafter, Indra encouraged him to deliver the dharma (Buddhist teachings) to the world.

This sculpture is featured in the Asia Society Museum exhibition, "Buddha, Sage of the Shakya Clan: Masterworks from the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection", June 13 - August 27, 2023, curated by Laura Weinstein

Laura A. Weinstein, June 2023