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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Seated Buddha
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
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Seated Buddha

Artifact IDMO 63.1855
Object Type Sculpture
Date 11th century
Date Presented11/9/1961
Gifter
Place MadeBihar, India, Asia
Medium Stone
DimensionsOverall H 22 in x W 16 in x D 7 in (55.9 cm x 40.6 cm x 17.8 cm)
Physical DescriptionStone carving of Buddha seated under the Bodhi tree. His right hand touches the earth in the "Bhumi-sparsa" attitude calling the earth to witness the fact of the Buddhahood. This Buddha is wearing a crown, necklace and earrings designating him as the enlightened one destined to be king. He wears robes of a sanyasi, the symbol of his renunciation. Around the figure are depicted scenes from Buddha's life. The birth, the first sermon and the descent at Sankisa are on the right. On the left, Buddhas is represented with a bowl of honey presented to him by a monkey at Vaisali, the first sermon again, the subjugation of the elephant Nalagiri, the elephant is represented as a small block near the feet. Above Buddha's head is the "pari nirvana" or the passing away of the Buddha" with mourners on either side and the stupa, the symbol of the Buddha's death is shown above him.
Historical NoteThis sculpture was presented to President John F. Kennedy by Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India (1947-1964), November 9, 1961 during the Prime Minister's state visit to the White House.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a foreign official to the President and First Lady received through the Executive office during the Kennedy Administration and transferred to the General Service Administration where it was held until donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
On view
Related Links
Archive folder Nehru visit to White House"Museum Collection – Seated Buddha"