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Masterpieces
Face and shoulders of a golden Buddha statue.

Buddha dated 338

China’s earliest known dated Buddha tells the story of early Buddhist art in China.

Buddha dated 338

China; Hebei province
Later Zhao kingdom (319–351)
Bronze with gilding
The Avery Brundage Collection, B60B1034

 

 

 

 

A Milestone of Chinese Buddhist Art

Made 400 years after Buddhism was introduced to China from India, this is the earliest known dated Buddha sculpture produced in China. At about 16 inches tall, it is among the largest bronze sculptures to have survived from the era and was cast using sophisticated techniques for its day. Although it shows the stylistic influence of the art of ancient Gandhara (a region now largely in Pakistan that connected trade routes between Europe and Asia), Chinese characteristics make this statue an important milestone in the development of Buddhist art in China. 

See what this early Buddha image would have originally looked like (2:22 mins).
Front view of a golden Buddha statue.
View Gallery
6 Photos
View the Buddha dated 338 from multiple perspectives.
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The square protrusion at the back of the head likely supported a halo, symbolizing the Buddha’s enlightenment.
The Buddha dated 338 was cast with leaded bronze using the piece-mold technique.
The three holes at the front of the base may have secured a lotus — also symbolizing enlightenment — and a pair of lions.
Face and shoulders, and body of a golden Buddha statue.
Closeup view of the head of a golden Buddha statue.
Close up view of the back of the head of a golden Buddha statue.
Back of a golden Buddha statue.
View of the base of a golden Buddha statue with three small holes.
Bottom of a golden Buddha statue with original inscription in Chinese and the museum's accession number.
The square protrusion at the back of the head likely supported a halo, symbolizing the Buddha’s enlightenment.
The Buddha dated 338 was cast with leaded bronze using the piece-mold technique.
The three holes at the front of the base may have secured a lotus — also symbolizing enlightenment — and a pair of lions.

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