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London Photo Gallery - British Museum Buddhism Top 20

In 2004 and 2006 we traveled to London, England

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 01 Gilded Bronze Tara 1. Standing Tara – Sri Lanka, 8C AD, 143cm high. The statue of Tara, the consort of Avalokiteshvara, is solid cast in one piece of bronze and gilded. The goddess is naked to the waist with a lower garment flowing to her ankles. The marked contrast of the slender waist against heavy breasts and hips is the ideal of feminine beauty. Tara's right hand is shown in the mudra of giving; her left hand is empty but may have held a lotus flower.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 01 Gilded Bronze Tara

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 02 Marble Buddha Amitabha 2. Amitabha - North China, 585AD, 5.8m high. This marble statue of the Meditation Buddha of the west has a very solid form and drapery in extremely flat folds.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 02 Marble Buddha Amitabha

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 03 Seated Buddha 3. Seated Buddha – Eastern India (possibly Sarnath), 5C AD, 1.18m high. This sandstone statue of Shakyamuni is notable for its posture, since it is more common to see him seated with legs crossed. Here he sits on a lion's throne with his feet on a double lotus. His hands are in the teaching mudra, delivering his first teaching in the Deer Park at Sarnath.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 03 Seated Buddha

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 04-1 Dunhuang Two standing Avalokiteshvara 4-1. Two Standing Avalokiteshvara - Cave 17 Dunhuang China, mid 9C AD, 147 x 105 cm. The British Museum has many artifacts that are not on display, like this one of almost 400 priceless Buddhist paintings on silk from the Dunhuang cave complex in China from the Stein collection. The painting shows two almost identical figures of Avalokiteshvara, one of the most popular of the bodhisattvas, identifiable by the small figure of the Buddha Amitabha in his headdress. One of the only differences between the two figures are the attributes that they hold: that on the left holds a flower, that on the right a vase and a willow branch. All three were popular attributes of Avalokiteshvara. The inscription in the centre of the painting translates in part: '…the disciple of pure faith, Yiwen, on his own behalf, having fallen [into the hands of the Tibetans], hopes that he return to his birthplace.' Therefore this example was commissioned to ensure a peaceful life during the period of war with the Tibetans, who finally had to give up Dunhuang in 948 AD. For more information on Dunhuang, check out

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 04-1 Dunhuang Two standing Avalokiteshvara

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 04-2 Dunhuang Avalokiteshvara as Guide of Souls 4-2. Avalokiteshvara as Guide of Souls - Cave 17 Dunhuang China, 10C AD. The figure of the Buddha Amitabha in the headdress clearly identifies this figure as Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. He is leading the soul of a female devotee to the halls of paradise, depicted at the top of the painting by three bands each with tiny buildings. Both Avalokiteshvara and his follower are supported on clouds. He holds a censer in his left hand, while in his right hand he holds a long hooked staff from which a banner is suspended. The streamers are adorned with small diamonds of gold and the main panel of the banner simulates writing in red. The aristocratic lady who follows behind is drawn on a smaller scale. She wears a splendid coat with decorative roundels, a common feature of textiles from the late Tang dynasty. This can be seen on the patches of kasaya, Buddhist monastic robes. Photo: http://www.britishmuseum.org.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 04-2 Dunhuang Avalokiteshvara as Guide of Souls

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 05 Schist Head of the Fasting Buddha 5. Schist Head of the Fasting Buddha - Rawalpindi area of Pakistan, 2-3C AD, 22cm high. This schist head sculpture captures the time when the Buddha had become an ascetic and pursued physical hardships to such an extent that he reduced himself to an emaciated state and brought himself close to death. After pursuing austerities, Siddhartha began a more moderate life of meditation and moral conduct called the Middle Way.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 05 Schist Head of the Fasting Buddha

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 06 Standing Buddha From Sarnath 6. Standing Buddha - Sarnath India, about 435AD, 1.44m high. This sandstone sculpture has heavy lidded eyes and a gentle smile marked by a pronounced lower lip, set in an oval head with heavy cheeks. This image wears a characteristically clinging garment. He holds his right hand in the fearless mudra. He has the cranial protuberance, elongated earlobes, and long arms.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 06 Standing Buddha From Sarnath

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 07 Budai Laughing Buddha and Luohan 7. Budai Laughing Buddha and Luohan – North China, 1486AD, 2m high. Luohan – North China, 907-1125Ad, 1.3m high. The fat, smiling monk Budai is sometimes regarded as an incarnation of the Future Buddha, Maitreya. To his left is a 1.3m high stoneware luohan from northern China, dating from 907-1125 AD. A luohan (Sanskrit: arhat) was a disciple of the Buddha, who had magical powers and could stay alive indefinitely to preserve the Buddha's teachings.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 07 Budai Laughing Buddha and Luohan

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 08 Shakyamuni Gilt-bronze 8. Gilt-bronze figure of Shakyamuni – China, 1403-24 AD, 50cm high. This important image of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, displays the integration of Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist art in both its intricate design and metal-casting technique. It is one of the largest and most ornate Sino-Tibetan bronzes surviving from the early fifteenth century. The bronze is cast in three sections: the Buddha and the double lotus throne, the rectangular stepped base and the background mandorla, which is pierced with fire and floral scrolls. The figure's gesture indicates that Shakyamuni has just warded off temptation and gained peace and truth. Photo: http://www.britishmuseum.org.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 08 Shakyamuni Gilt-bronze

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 09-1 Standing Avalokiteshvara Front 9. Standing Avalokiteshvara – Nepal, 16C AD, 138cm high. Avalokiteshvara is the Bodhisattva of compassion, of which the Dalai Lama is an incarnation. In his headdress is a small figure of the Tathagata Meditation Buddha Amitabha seated with his hands in meditation mudra. Semi-precious jewels are inset in the necklace, belt, anklets and in the forehead in the Nepali manner.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 09-1 Standing Avalokiteshvara Front

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 09-2 Standing Avalokiteshvara Back Standing Avalokiteshvara – Nepal, 16C AD, 138cm high. Here is a view from behind Avalokiteshvara. This very large image was made in gilded bronze in several pieces. Rivets above the waist and above the elbows hold the figure together.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 09-2 Standing Avalokiteshvara Back

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 09-3 Standing Avalokiteshvara Hand Close Up Standing Avalokiteshvara – Nepal, 16C AD, 138cm high. Here is a close up of the palm of Avalokiteshvara’s right hand, held in the giving (charity) mudra and showing the lotus and chakra (wheel).

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 09-3 Standing Avalokiteshvara Hand Close Up

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 10-1 Cloisonne Mandala Top 10. Cloisonne Mandala– China, 1772AD, 56cm high. This miniature building, inlaid with coral and bells made of jade and silver, represents a Buddhist mandala in three dimensions. Cloisonné mandalas were popular under Emperor Qianlong (1736-95).

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 10-1 Cloisonne Mandala Top

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 10-2 Cloisonne Mandala Bottom Cloisonne Mandala – China, 1772AD, 56cm high. Here is the bottom half of the cloisonné mandala.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 10-2 Cloisonne Mandala Bottom

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 11 Shakyamuni Buddha With Two Disciples and the 18 Arhats Tangka 11. Shakyamuni Buddha With Two Disciples and the 18 Arhats Tangka - Tibet, mid-15C, 93 x 79 cm. The British Museum has many artifacts that are not on display, like this one. Shariputra and Maudgalyayana flank Buddha, who sits on an elaborate throne structure composed of a broad pedestal and a large screen like backing. The eighteen arhats are to the left and right of the painting, while at the bottom two corners are the four Heavenly Kings. Photo – Marilyn Rhie and Robert Thurman: Wisdom and Compassion - The Sacred Art Of Tibet.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 11 Shakyamuni Buddha With Two Disciples and the 18 Arhats Tangka

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 12 Standing Buddha Nepal 12. Standing Buddha – Nepal, 6-7C AD. This standing Buddha from Nepal, and is in case 51 in room 33.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 12 Standing Buddha Nepal

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 13 Mahakala 13. Mahakala – Tibet, 17C AD. This stone stele shows the dharmapala (protective figure) Mahakala as Lord of the Tent, an appropriate role given the nomadic lifestyle of many Tibetans. The garland of skulls, his fierce expression and the prone male figure being trampled underfoot all add to his terrifying appearance. These symbolize his ability to destroy all impediments to enlightenment. Mahakala holds in the crooks of his arms the long wooden sounding board used to summon monks to assembly. The half-bird, half-man figure of the Hindu deity Garuda is shown alongside Mahakala. In Mahakala's head-dress is his parent Buddha, Akshobhya, the Tathagata Meditation Buddha of the East.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 13 Mahakala

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 14 Yama Thangka 14. Yama Tangka - Tibet or southern China, 18C AD, 65 x 46 cm. The British Museum has many artifacts that are not on display, like this one. The fierce and bull-headed Yama stands on his buffalo mount, which tramples on a corpse. He is surrounded by flickering flames against a black background. He holds a noose and skull-crested club, with a string of severed heads hanging from his waist. Yama is the Indian god of death, who in Tibetan Buddhism was conquered by Manjushri and made a protector of the Buddhist dharma (teachings). Photo – Marilyn Rhie and Robert Thurman: The Sacred Art Of Tibet.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 14 Yama Thangka

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 15-1 Buddha With Scenes Of His Former Lives Tangka 15. Shakyamuni Buddha With Scenes Of His Former Lives Tangka – Tibet, around 1600, 71 x 48 cm. The British Museum has many artifacts that are not on display, like this one. Seated slightly higher than midway, Shakyamuni Buddha is shown in his normal earth witness mudra. Starting at the top left corner are ten of his former lives, or jatakas: Skuddabodhi, Mahahamsa, Mahabodhi, Great Ape, Skarabha Deer, Ruru Deer, Monkey King, Kshantivada, Brahma, and White Elephant. Photo – Marilyn Rhie and Robert Thurman: The Sacred Art Of Tibet.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 15-1 Buddha With Scenes Of His Former Lives Tangka

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 15-2 Buddha With Scenes Of His Former Lives Tangka Close Up 15. Shakyamuni Buddha With Scenes Of His Former Lives Tangka Close Up – Tibet, around 1600, 71 x 48 cm. Here is the bottom right corner of the tangka showing three of Shakyamuni Buddha’s former lives, or jatakas: Mahabodhi, Great Ape, and Skarabha Deer. Photo – Marilyn Rhie and Robert Thurman: The Sacred Art Of Tibet.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 15-2 Buddha With Scenes Of His Former Lives Tangka Close Up

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 16-1 Vajrasattva 16. Vajrasattva – Nepal, 15C AD, 52cm high. The gilded bronze standing figure holds the vajra and bell in his hands, has elaborate jewelry, and is inset with semi-precious stones. In Vajrasattva's crown is the seated figure of the Akshobhya, the Tathagata Meditation Buddha of the East.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 16-1 Vajrasattva

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 16-2 Vajrasattva Close Up 16. Vajrasattva – Nepal, 15C AD, 52cm high. Here is a close up of Vajrasattva holding the vajra and bell in his hands, has elaborate jewelry, and is inset with semi-precious stones. In Vajrasattva's crown is the seated figure of the Akshobhya, the Tathagata Meditation Buddha of the East.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 16-2 Vajrasattva Close Up

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 17 Kudara Kannon 17. Kudara Kannon - originally from Japan late 7C AD, 210cm high. The gilded camphor wood statue of the Buddhist deity Kudara Kannon is an actual-size replica of one of the most important works in the ancient Japan. In Pure Land Buddhism Kannon (Avalokiteshvara) often appears with the bodhisattva Seishi (Mahasthamaprapta) flanking the Buddha Amida (Amitabha) in a triad welcoming the souls of the dead into the Western Paradise. Photo: wikipedia.org.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 17 Kudara Kannon

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 18 Milarepa 18. Milarepa – Tibet, 18C AD or earlier, 12.8cm high. Milarepa ('the cotton clad', 1052-1135) is one of the most loved saints of Tibet. He is especially remembered for the huge number of songs he composed. He is considered a founder of the Kargyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism, though he himself was a disciple of Marpa. In this bronze image he is recognized by the right hand held up to his ear, indicating that he is reciting one of his celebrated poems or songs.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 18 Milarepa

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 19 Padmasambhava 19. Padmasambhava – Tibet, 18C AD, 38 cm high. Padmasambhava (Tib. Guru Rinpoche) is revered for bringing Tantric Buddhism to Tibet from northern India in the late 8C AD. The gilt bronze figure is shown seated on a lotus throne in the rich robes of a prince. He holds a vajra in his right hand and in his left a vase of the elixir of immortality.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 19 Padmasambhava

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 20 Avalokiteshvara 20. Avalokiteshvara - Tibet, 18-19C AD. This is a very recent status of the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 20 Avalokiteshvara