Stone Fragment in the Shape of a Lotus, 100 CE - 300 CE
Stone
12.7 x 15.7 cm
5 x 6 1/4 in
5 x 6 1/4 in
SF.211
A lotus-shaped stone fragment produced between 100 and 300 CE. The Lotus flower is of great symbolic importance in Buddhist art, as it is associated with with purity, spiritual awakening,...
A lotus-shaped stone fragment produced between 100 and 300 CE.
The Lotus flower is of great symbolic importance in Buddhist art, as it is associated with with purity, spiritual awakening, and faithfulness. The flower is considered pure as it is able to emerge from murky waters in the morning and be perfectly clean. The Buddha is very often represented in association with lotuses, either sitting on thrones decorated with lotus flowers and buds, or assuming specific positions known as the single lotus or double lotus.
This piece is a fine example therefore of the religious themes which drove the production of Gandharan art. As a physical manifestation of early Buddhist piety, this object has important historical and religious associations.
The Lotus flower is of great symbolic importance in Buddhist art, as it is associated with with purity, spiritual awakening, and faithfulness. The flower is considered pure as it is able to emerge from murky waters in the morning and be perfectly clean. The Buddha is very often represented in association with lotuses, either sitting on thrones decorated with lotus flowers and buds, or assuming specific positions known as the single lotus or double lotus.
This piece is a fine example therefore of the religious themes which drove the production of Gandharan art. As a physical manifestation of early Buddhist piety, this object has important historical and religious associations.