Transcript Early Buddhist Art Vocabulary

Early Buddhist Art
Vocabulary
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Buddha
Nirvana
Karma
Urna
Ushnisha
Mandala
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Stupa
Aniconic Chaityas
Torana
Mandala
Stupa
Aniconic
Early Buddhism
• Buddha-the “Enlightened One” Indian prince, 6th
century BCE
• Four Noble Truths: Everything is pain; pain is
desire; extinction of desire is nirvana; following
the path of Buddhism ends pain
• Ability to create good Karma for a better rebirth
• End of rebirthing cycle is achievement of Nirvana
The Great Stupa, Sanchi, India,
3rd century BCE
Diagram of the
Great Stupa,
Sanchi, India,
3rd century
BCE
Torana, The Great
Stupa, Sanchi,
India, 10-30 CE
Boh Tree, detail of the East Torana,
Great Stupa, Sanchi, India, 10-30 CE
Yakshi, The
Great Stupa,
Sanchi, India,
10-30 CE
Seated Buddha,
Gandhara,
Pakistan, 2nd-3rd
century CE
• Urna-spot on head, curl
of hair
• Ushnisha-lump on top
of head
• Buddha first depicted in
human form in the 1st
century BC in India and
Pakistan
• Similarity to Roman
Gods
Buddhism in China-1st century CE
• 220-589 CE, China experienced civil unrest as a result of
several conflicting dynasties
• Buddhism comes to China via the “Silk Road” from
India
• Buddha-the “Enlightened One” Indian prince
• Four Noble Truths: Everything is pain; pain is desire;
extinction of desire is nirvana; following the path of
Buddhism ends pain
• Ability to create good Karma for a better rebirth
• End of rebirthing cycle is achievement of Nirvana
Sakyamuni Buddha,
China, Zhau
Dynasty, 338 CE
• Resembles prototype of
the Pakistani Buddha
• Misrepresentation of
meditation gesture