Early Buddhist Art Vocabulary

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

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