Yale Visit 2

 

My intention this weekend was to go to the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art this Saturday but do to the weather I wasn't able to make it so in lieu of that, I made a second visit to the Yale University Art Gallery. The last time that I was there I was very much interested with the Asian art and artifacts that were on display. For this visit I focused on the pieces that were the most interesting to me.

 

Maitreya
South Asian, ancient Gandhara, Kushan period
(ca. late 1st-early 4th century C.E.)
2nd-3rd century C.E.

This piece, caught my attention immediately. The picture absolutely does not do it justice. It is very big and made out of carved stone. The intricate work of the person or of persons that carved this and the patience that it must have taken is amazing. This is the representation of a Buddha and in researching more about it I learned that the name Maitreya comes from the Sanskrit "maitri" meaning "universal loving kindness."

 

Footprints of the Buddha
(Buddhapada)
South Asian, ancient Gandhara, Kushan period
(ca. late 1st early 4th century C.E)
2nd century C.E.
Gray Schist

This stone is the representation of the Buddha's feet. In my research of that it meant, I discovered that this is the representation of the Buddha transcending to enlightenment. The legend says that when he rose his feet left their print on the stone he stepped on.  

 

Arch (Parikara)
Indian, Gujarat or Rajasthan,
Solanki dynasty (ca. 950-ca. 1250)
12th-13th century
White Marble

This would have been an altar piece that would have been in a temple and it would have been part of a ritual or ceremony. In my research I could not find one just like the one above. The ones that I came across were made out of bronze or metal.  Looking at this piece again, I am amazed on the carving work and the patience it must have taken to create something so beautiful.

 

Altarpiece with a Figure of Vasudhara
Nepali, Malla (1482-1769) or
Shah (1769-present) period
18th century
Bronze and gilt brass alloy with inlaid stone

  This also would have been an altar piece in a temple. This is a statue of Vasudhara who is the goddess of wealth, prosperity and abundance. Her name means "streams of gems" in Sanskrit. Also in my research I learned that she is the subject of many legends in the Buddhist religion.

 

There is always something new to learn and see at the gallery. Every time I go I truly enjoy my visit and my wanderings through the museum.