Post on 20-Dec-2015
Early Buddhist Art
Vocabulary
• Buddha• Nirvana• Karma• Urna• Ushnisha• Mandala
• 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
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